AN MP who decided he would not stand in the next election but changed his mind and has now been formally adopted as a candidate.

David Jones was formally selected as the Conservative candidate in the election planned for December 12.

Mr Jones said: “I am pleased to have been adopted for what will probably be the most important election in memory whose outcome could determine whether we leave the European Union. I am looking forward to the campaign.”

In September, Mr Jones said he felt it was the right time to step down to enable the Clwyd West Conservative Association to select his successor. He has done a u-turn on that decision.

Darren Millar, AM for Clwyd West, who considered standing for Clwyd West - prior to Mr Jones’s u-turn said: “I will be supporting my colleague David Jones as the Welsh Conservative candidate here in Clwyd West.”

Mr Jones is a former solicitor. He has been the Member of Parliament or Clwyd West since 2005. He has held several ministerial posts in Westminster; most recently as Minister of State at the Department for Exiting the European Union and prior to that as Secretary of State for Wales

He is the first Welsh secretary to have served as a Welsh Assembly Member.

Mr Jones and his wife Sara, a former nurse, have two sons. They live in Rhos-on-Sea.

He has spent most of his life living and working in North Wales. He practised as a solicitor for several decades, including time sent running his own practice.

Since initially winning the Clwyd West seat he has increased his majority through four elections.