A FORMER MP who lost in last year's general election by just 733 votes has announced he will fight the seat again in 2020.

LibDem Stephen Lloyd, 59, was tipped to win Eastbourne having first become the MP in 2010.

But he was one of many victims of the national swing which saw the LibDems almost wiped out nationally, and Tory Caroline Ansell took the seat.

He vowed at the time that he would retire from politics, saying "I’ve never had as much fun as being MP for Eastbourne and Willingdon,."

He added: "Thank you very much Eastbourne, it’s been a real pleasure."

He blamed the "fear of the SNP" for the loss, and then realised he had to find employment because he said he needed to pay off his £176,000 mortgage.

Supporters created a Facebook group "Friends of Stephen Lloyd," which was originally called "Let’s pay off Stephen Lloyds Mortgage!" and they vowed to raise funds, but he declined, saying any money raised should go to the Save the DGH campaign instead.

Now - 14 months on - he has announced that he will fight the next general election for the LibDems in Eastbourne.

He said: "Since May last year, I've been touched by the almost constant levels of support from people and businesses locally, urging me to stand again as their MP. I was grateful for this encouragement and remain so.

"I was enormously privileged to serve as the MP and if I am re-elected, people know that I will always put Eastbourne above party politics.

"It's what I stand for, it's who I am and it's what I did before. Clearly the next few years are going to be very challenging - both for the town and our country - but I believe I've the necessary experience and vision to ensure we come through stronger and better than ever..

"I continue to be as involved as I've always been across Eastbourne. It's always a pleasure for me to work alongside others as we try to make a difference for good in Eastbourne.

"I love it. It's why I care so much about our town.- its genuine sense of community, married to our shared values, are what make Eastbourne just that little bit special."

He is currently business development director at West End, an international event, broadcast, multi-media communications and exhibition company based in Eastbourne.

Under the stewardship of CEO Graham Power, West End boasts a team of 40 and an international client portfolio that extends across the world.

The specialist creative agency works across many highly regulated sectors, particularly ethical healthcare, finance and corporate communications.