Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate stands down from marginal seat following health challenges

Ms Gordon missed out on the south west Sheffield seat to Labour’s Olivia Blake by just 712 votes at the last general election.

She was selected to run for the constituency again at the next elections but is instead now stepping down to focus on recovery.

Ms Gordon said: “It was a great privilege to be the Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for Sheffield Hallam at the last election and to be re-selected this time around. However, having faced a number of health challenges in 2022, I have decided to step back and focus on recovery.

“I would like to thank the people of Sheffield Hallam who have supported me in recent years and always been so kind and welcoming on the doorstep. Together we have achieved so much and I am proud of the campaigns we ran, from opposing Labour’s disastrous tree-felling programme, to winning the fight to save the walk-in centre from closure.

“I would also like to thank all those who volunteered for my campaign. The Sheffield Liberal Democrats are a strong team and I look forward to working together to deliver change at all levels and across the city.”

Local Liberal Democrats will now select a new candidate for the constituency.

Councillor Mike Levery, chair of Sheffield Liberal Democrats, thanked Laura for all she did for the party.

He said: “I fully understand her reasons for stepping down from the role and would like to offer her our best wishes for the future.”

Sheffield Hallam at the last general election

More than 78 per cent of the electorate in Sheffield Hallam headed to the polls at the last general election in 2019 – the highest in the city.

The seat was previously held by Jared O’Mara who was suspended from the Labour party before becoming an independent then stepping down amid much controversy. During that period constituents were left without representation.

After winning, Ms Blake said: “I won’t comment on the past MP but I do think we need to continue to rebuild trust and I will be working as hard as possible.”