Bim Afolami MP has been re-selected as the Conservative candidate for Hitchin.
The next general election is due to take place in 2025, with Hitchin no longer paired with the town of Harpenden.
Bim Afolami has been the MP for Hitchin and Harpenden since 2017, but the latter will now be partnered with Berkhamsted in upcoming elections.
The Conservative Member of Parliament said: “Since 2017 it has been the privilege of my life to serve as the Member of Parliament for Hitchin, Harpenden and our wonderful villages.
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"I am immensely proud to have represented this beautiful part of Hertfordshire and of the work we have done together to make our area an even better place to live, work and spend time.
"Unfortunately, the independent Boundary Commission have announced that the Hitchin & Harpenden constituency will be abolished at the next General Election and replaced by two new seats: Hitchin, and Harpenden & Berkhamsted.
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"The Conservative Party is currently selecting candidates for the General Election and therefore I have had to make a decision as to which of these two new seats I will stand in.
"Having lived with my family in a village near Hitchin for the past couple of years, I felt that it was right to seek re-selection for the Hitchin constituency and I am absolutely delighted that the Selection Council for that seat has now adopted me as its Parliamentary Candidate.
"I look forward to continuing to represent Hitchin and our beautiful villages and getting to know local people in Arlesey, Astwick, Campton and Chicksands, Clifton, Fairfield, Henlow, Langford, Meppershall, Shefford, Stondon and Stotfold as we approach the General Election.
"Until that General Election, I will also still represent people in Harpenden, Redbourn, Sandridge and Wheathampstead to the best of my ability.
"I am very sad to be losing these fantastic communities from my constituency and I will work closely with whoever the local Conservatives select as the candidate for Harpenden & Berkhamsted to ensure that they have all the support they need to continue delivering for our area."
Hitchin and Harpenden Conservative chairman and Conservative candidate for Hitchin Bearton, Dr Charles Laing, added: "I am delighted that Bim has been re-selected to fight the Hitchin constituency at the next General Election.
"Bim has been a great local champion for Hitchin and the villages, campaigning to protect our countryside with an expansion of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, make it easier to use Hitchin Station by opening up Eastern pedestrian access, working with our local team to hold North Herts Council to account for things like their plan to cut bin collections, and much more besides.
"His experience as our local Member of Parliament and record of achievement make him an ideal candidate for Hitchin and the villages and I look forward to supporting him to deliver on our plans to make our area even better and ensure that we get Bim returned to Parliament at the next General Election."
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