Villiers rules out Chipping Barnet election comeback
Former MP will not seek Conservative candidacy for the seat she lost in 2024, opting for academic pursuits.
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Dame Theresa Villiers will not seek to regain the Chipping Barnet seat she lost in 2024. The former Conservative MP confirmed on 27 August 2026 that she would not be putting her name forward for selection as the party's candidate at the next general election.
Under Conservative Party rules, Dame Theresa Villiers had been included on the party’s national candidates list. This would have allowed her automatic shortlisting for selection in Chipping Barnet, bypassing a local interview process, before facing a vote of local party members. She confirmed her decision after what she described as "careful reflection".
Dame Theresa Villiers to leave Parliament for UCL academic role
Former Chipping Barnet MP will not seek re-election and will pursue postgraduate research at University College London.
Focus on academic career
Dame Theresa Villiers stated that while she believes the Conservatives have a strong chance of retaking Chipping Barnet, she feels it is time for a new candidate to lead that effort. She announced that she will be concentrating on writing and her academic career, commencing an MPhil/PHD at UCL in October. She expressed gratitude to Kemi Badenoch for her inclusion on the Conservative candidates list and pledged to campaign for the party.
Local party sentiment and electoral context
Chipping Barnet set for Conservative gain, poll suggests
A new survey indicates Labour could lose the north London seat at the next general election.
The Conservative Party held the Chipping Barnet seat from its creation in 1974 until Labour's Dan Tomlinson won it in 2024 with a majority of 2,914 votes, representing 5.7% of the vote. Recent local election results within the constituency's wards indicate the Conservatives currently hold a 7% lead over Labour. However, the potential for tactical voting, with over a third of voters in the constituency supporting Reform UK, the Greens, or the Liberal Democrats in recent local elections, could influence the outcome of a general election contest.
Questions this report answers
+Will Dame Theresa Villiers stand as a candidate at the next general election?
No, Dame Theresa Villiers has confirmed she will not seek selection as the Conservative candidate for Chipping Barnet, nor will she apply to stand in other constituencies. She has decided to focus on writing and an academic career.
+What are the recent electoral results in Chipping Barnet?
In 2024, Labour's Dan Tomlinson won the Chipping Barnet seat from the Conservatives. Local election results in wards within the constituency show the Conservatives currently leading Labour by 7%.
+What will Dame Theresa Villiers do next?
Dame Theresa Villiers will be focusing on writing and pursuing an academic career. She is starting an MPhil/PHD at UCL in October.
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