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Anne McIntosh confirms she will not stand in election

Anne McIntosh has been an MP since 1997 Credit: PA

The Conservative MP Anne McIntosh has confirmed she will not run as an independent in the General Election, after she was deselected by her party.

She said she would focus on returning a Tory government by campaigning for candidates in marginal seats instead.

McIntosh has been the MP for Thirsk & Malton, North Yorkshire, since 1997, and was previously an MEP.

"Many have asked me to stand locally in some capacity. I am honoured but my place is within the party and I would never put personal ambition ahead of the best interests of the country, which can only be served by another government led by David Cameron.

"I am deeply grateful to all my supporters, and bear no ill-will to those who engaged in a democratic process to change their parliamentary candidate.

"To all those who have so loyally supported me and who have expressed disillusionment and a sense of being disenfranchised, I urge them to put aside their disappointment and ask them to consider that the alternative would not be good for the constituency, the Conservative Party or, indeed, the country."

– Anne McIntosh MP, Thirsk & Malton

A statement from the local party said: "The Association acknowledges the work that Anne McIntosh has done in the last five years and wishes her well in the future."