Stay updated with breaking news from Constitutions Affairs. Get real-time updates on events, politics, business, and more. Visit us for reliable news and exclusive interviews.
Former work and pensions secretary Ms Smith, 40, who served in the Cabinet role during Liz Truss's brief tenure in No 10, has held the marginal Norwich North constituency since 2009.
Tory MPs threatened a revolt over plans to impose mandatory, centrally-set housebuilding targets.
Tory leaders are bracing for as many as 80 MPs to announce they will not fight the next election, expected in 2024. They have been given until December 5 this year to make a decision.
Senior Conservative William Wragg took a short break earlier this year to recover from depression.
The Prime Minister has warned his Cabinet that it will be a 'challenging' winter ahead