Long-serving Norfolk MP Sir Norman Lamb to step down

Sir Norman Lamb is to step down at the Lib Dem MP for North Norfolk at the next election. Credit: PA

Sir Norman spoke to our reporter Malcolm Robertson about his decision to step down, and his plans for the future.

The Anglia region's only Liberal Democrat MP Sir Norman Lamb says he won't stand for election again in North Norfolk.

Sir Norman, who served as a Health Minister in the coalition government under David Cameron, has been the MP for North Norfolk since 2001.

He was one of the few Lib Dems to retain a place in parliament when the party lost most of its seats in the 2005 General Election.

Sir Norman Lamb speaking at the Liberal Democrat party conference in 2017. Credit: PA Images

Sir Norman announced to his local newspaper, the Eastern Daily Press that he will step down as an MP at the next General Election which he expects to be held before the end of the year.

He told the paper he thought politics was in a "sad and disturbing place" and wanted to see "more people focusing on national unity and reconciliation."

He said he felt that since Brexit had stalled so much of parliament's business he no longer felt other issues got the time they deserved.

The 61 year old added he will now be spending his time launching a fund to improve mental health care in the county. He'll be donating £10,000 of his own money to kick start the project, set up with the Norfolk Community Foundation.

Sir Norman Lamb watching Norwich City from the Directors' Box in January 2018. Credit: PA Images

You can watch Malcolm Robertson's report here.

Sir Norman with his Conservative rival David Prior back in 2001 Credit: ITV Anglia

Sir Norman Lamb won the North Norfolk seat in the 2001 General Election after three attempts. It had been held by the Conservatives for more than 30 years.

He saw his tiny majority of 483 votes rise to more than 10,000 in subsequent elections before it fell back to 3,512 votes in the most recent poll in June 2017.

Although the Liberal Democrats won control of the local council in North Norfolk in the most recent local elections in May 2019, it will be a fight to retain the parliamentary constituency.

Sir Norman spoke to ITV News Anglia about his delight in winning the North Norfolk seat back in 2001.

The MP has represented North Norfolk since 2001 Credit: PA