Two more Kent MPs have announced they will not be standing at the general election in July.

Craig Mackinlay, who has represented South Thanet for the Conservatives since 2015, says seeking reelection would be "impossible" amid his recovery from sepsis.

Meanwhile, fellow Tory Greg Clark Tunbridge Wells says it time to “pass the baton on”.

Mr Mackinlay said: “The snap election announcement has caused me 36 hours of intense soul searching.

“Whilst my heart tells me to stand again, there being so much unfinished business across local regeneration and national issues which are important to me, my head knows this to be impossible at this time.

“It would be difficult to withstand the rigours of an all-out election campaign, a campaign that I’d always wish to lead from the front. Thereafter, upon being re-elected it would be difficult for me to sustain 70 to 80 hour working weeks which were the norm prior to my illness.

“I had hoped to phase my return to the House of Commons over the coming months as my abilities improved. Since leaving in-patient rehabilitation a month ago my life now revolves around various medical appointments.

“I face numerous future operations as a result of the serious sepsis that I suffered which very nearly took my life. I have only just started the prosthetic journey and I have weekly physiotherapy and occupational therapy sessions.

“I had the most memorable appearance of my time as an MP at this week’s PMQs: it was emotional and the experience quite surreal. I shall never forget it. I had expected it to be the start of my return. It will, however, be remembered as my last hurrah.

“I will now campaign to raise awareness for, and particularly the early recognition of, the onset of sepsis. If this results in the saving of one life or the prevention of the type of disablement that I have suffered it will be a worthwhile campaign.

“I will also do all that I can to ensure that multiple limb loss amputees get the right prosthetics at the right time to ensure that lives can return to as close to normality as possible.

“To be elected to the House of Commons is a rare privilege of life. I thank my South Thanet constituents for placing their trust in me across three General Elections.”

Tunbridge Wells’ Conservative MP Greg Clark has also announced he will not stand at the election.

“I am grateful and proud to have been able to speak and fight for the people of this beautiful and famous place,” he said.

“Standing is a five-year commitment and it’s time to pass the baton on.”

Dover MP Natalie Elphicke, who dramatically defected from the Conservatives to Labour earlier this month, has already announced she will not be standing at the election.

Tories Tracey Crouch, the Chatham and Aylesford Conservative MP, and Gordon Henderson, who has represented Sittingbourne and Sheppey since 2010, are also stepping down.

More to follow.