Dame Theresa Villiers withdraws from political life to return to an academic career of university teaching and research

Former Chipping Barnet Conservative MP Dame Theresa Villiers has decided to leave the political fray of competitive politics to focus instead on an academic career undertaking advanced postgraduate research at University College London.

She has told members of her local Conservative Party that she will not be putting her name forward as a candidate at the next general election.

Despite her defeat in 2024 when the Chipping Barnet constituency elected Labour MP Dan Tomlinson, Dame Theresa remained active in the politics of the Barnet area.

She campaigned on behalf of the Conservative candidates in recent council elections, attended numerous political events, and appeared to have left open the possibility of standing again.

Her decision to focus and writing and her academic career of university teaching and research has disappointed many of her admirers.

Posts on social media expressed regret at her withdrawal from local politics.

She was described as having been “a great local MP” who had every chance of being elected once gain. Well-wishers said they hope she enjoys academic life.

In her statement she said after careful reflection she had decided not to put her name forward when Chipping Barnet Conservatives start the process in a few weeks’ time of selecting a new parliamentary candidate. Nor would she apply to stand in any other constituency.

“I believe the Conservatives have a great chance of regaining Chipping Barnet, but it is time to hand over to someone new to tackle that challenge.”

Dame Theresa, who was made Dame Commander of the British Empire by the Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle last December, said she was grateful to Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch for having included her in the Conservative candidates list.

“I strongly back Kemi’s leadership. I will continue to campaign energetically for the Conservative cause, in Barnet and beyond.”

During her two decades as an MP at Westminster – after previously serving for six years as a Member of the European Parliament – Dame Theresa was frequently in the national news.

Her roles as a cabinet minister included nearly four years as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. She became a leading and much-quoted supporter of Brexit.

She thanked Chipping Barnet Conservatives for having chosen her as candidate in five successive general elections.

“I feel immensely proud to have been given the opportunity to serve the community in which I live as its MP.

“Now I will be focussing on the writing and academic career – university teaching and research – to which I have returned after my stint in elected office.

“I am delighted to say that this will include research for an MPhil/PhD at University College London in October.”

Image: Dame Theresa Villiers’ Facebook page