FORMER Conservative MP for Stroud, Neil Carmichael, will not seek to reclaim his old seat at the next General Election.

This ends the rivalry between Mr Carmichael and David Drew who have competed against one another, for the Stroud constituency, on five occasions.

Mr Carmichael held the seat for seven years, between 2010 and 2017.

However, after being ousted by Labour’s David Drew by 700 votes last year, he has decided to end his interest in the constituency.

The Stroud Conservative Association was informed of Mr Carmichael’s decision during the Annual General Meeting last night, Thursday.

In a statement read out by chair Sharon Sugars, Mr Carmichael said he was sorry to not to be able to inform them in person, but that he would be continuing to have a role in public life enabling him to make an impact in public policy and politics.

He is currently involved in a few projects including his position as Honorary Professor of Politics and Education at the University of Nottingham, as well as holding several positions in the world of education.

The Association expressed its gratitude for all that Neil had done and wished him every success for his future.