The MP for Hitchin and Harpenden has announced that he will not seek re-election at this year’s general election after serving for 34 years.

In a letter to his local Conservative Association, Peter Lilley said he had reached the decision not to run for re-election on June 8 “with some sadness”.

READ MORE: Parties reveal candidates for snap election

He wrote: “It has been an immense privilege over the last 34 years to represent the people of Hitchin and Harpenden and, before the boundary changes, the people of St Albans.  

“It has been a particular pleasure to work with an association which has been so supportive and whose officers, along with local councillors, have been so dedicated and of such high calibre.  

“As a result of their hard work, we have seen the Conservative vote, share of vote and majority increase in every general election – first in St Albans and then in Hitchin and Harpenden.”

Mr Lilley said it was an honour to serve in Margaret Thatcher’s government in the Treasury, then in her Cabinet as Secretary of State for Trade and Industry

He subsequently became Secretary of State for Social Security under John Major, then Shadow Chancellor and Deputy Leader under William Hague.

He added: “Now we have in Teresa (sic) May an outstanding Prime Minister in whom I have great confidence. 

“I profoundly hope she will be returned with a strong mandate to complete the process of leaving the EU and to seize the opportunities which regaining control of our laws, border, money and trade will give our country.  

“She, and whoever the people of Hitchin and Harpenden elect to succeed me, will have my full support.”