Might other MPs follow Chloe Smith out of parliament?

Chloe Smith is just 40 years old, an age at which people normally start to think about entering the Commons. But today, with five election victories in her Norwich North seat under her belt, she announced she’s leaving. The former work and pensions secretary said in a statement: ‘I hope I’ve been able to make a difference, locally and nationally. In 2024, after fifteen years of service, it will be the right time to step back, for me and my young family.’

It’s been quite a stint for Smith, who mentioned ‘tough personal times’ in her announcement: she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020 and got the all-clear last year. Mind you, it’s been a busy few years for all MPs, which is one of the reasons so many of them call it a day much earlier than their predecessors. Back in 2019, I wrote about the rise of the ten-year MP: a phenomenon which saw a surprising number of members stand down when they appeared to be in their prime.