The Conservative MP for the borough of Great Yarmouth has said he will stand as a candidate at the next general election.

Brandon Lewis said that, if re-elected for the constituency, he would continue to make sure its population benefits from the government's levelling-up agenda and the opportunities presented by Brexit.

He made his pledge following a request from his party's headquarters, which asked all sitting Tory MPs whether they want to stand again amid a national shake-up of constituency boundaries.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Brandon Lewis outside his Great Yarmouth officeBrandon Lewis outside his Great Yarmouth office (Image: Archant)

Mr Lewis said: “I have had the privilege to represent the people of Great Yarmouth in parliament for over twelve years.

"During that time, both as a backbencher and as a minister, I’ve argued the case for the constituency.

"As a result, we’ve seen enormous government investment coming to the town, and the wider area, something our excellent Conservative-led council has capitalised on.  

“I wish to continue that work beyond the next general election to make sure we continue to benefit from the levelling-up agenda as well as the opportunities afforded us by Brexit. 

"Following a request from Conservative headquarters, I’ve confirmed that it is my intention to seek re-election for the Great Yarmouth constituency at the next general election."

Mr Lewis' announcement was warmly welcomed by Carl Smith, leader of the Conservative-controlled Great Yarmouth Borough Council.

Mr Smith said: “I have worked closely with Brandon for many years. He is a fantastic champion for our borough and a huge personal support to me in my role.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Great Yarmouth Borough Council leader Carl SmithGreat Yarmouth Borough Council leader Carl Smith (Image: Archant)

"Working together we have delivered so much for our area: the third river crossing, more coastal and flood defences and investment in the town centre being just a few things.

"I am delighted to hear that he will seek re-election and I look forward to us continuing to work together”. 

The next general election must be held by January 2025 at the latest.

Robert Price, chairman of the Great Yarmouth Conservative Association, said: “I am absolutely delighted that Brandon Lewis is standing again.

"Brandon has proved time and time again he is the right person for the constituency.

"He has successfully promoted the area and played an important role in securing millions of pounds of investment to improve infrastructure, provide jobs and support the local council.” 

Fellow Norfolk Tory MP, Chloe Smith, who represents the Norwich North constituency, has said she will not stand at the next general election.

Brandon Lewis, the frontbencher

Mr Lewis had served in Liz Truss' cabinet as lord chancellor and secretary of state for justice.

He had served on the front bench of successive governments for 10 years and had been in the cabinet for five years.

In that time, he held eight ministerial posts across five departments and served under four prime ministers.

One of his high-profile roles included Northern Ireland secretary. He resigned from that post in the summer as Boris Johnson's government imploded.

Before that, he was minister of state for security and deputy for EU Exit and No Deal Preparation from July 2019 to February 2020.

He was first elected as Great Yarmouth MP in 2010.