Conservative MP for Truro and Falmouth Sarah Newton has signalled her intentions to step down at the next general election.

Newton said: "While we don't know when the next General Election will be, it is possible that it will be this year.

"After much careful thought, I have decided not to seek re-election at the forthcoming General Election so that I can pursue other interests."

She was first elected as the MP for Truro and Falmouth in 2010 and was re-elected in 2015 and 2017.

Newton added: "It has been a huge honour to represent Truro and Falmouth and I am proud of what I have achieved, working with many dynamic and creative local people in this constituency."

Alan Dovey, chairman of Truro and Falmouth Conservatives, said:

"We would like to thank Sarah for her exceptional work as our MP and also her service as a Government Minister.

"Sarah won the seat from the Liberal Democrats in 2010 – the first time the Truro constituency had been held by the Conservatives since 1974.

"She has been very visible in the constituency, standing up for residents and actively campaigning on a wide range of local issues.

"We are very sorry Sarah does not wish to seek re-election and wish her, her husband Alan and the family well for the future.

"We will now start a process to select a candidate to build on Sarah's outstanding work."