The election campaign is over, the posters are down, the rosettes have been packed away for another day and it is back to working for all of Telford.
Over the last 7 weeks, I have been touched by the warmth and kindness so many people have shown my team, and me as we went about talking to people across Telford. The election campaign was an opportunity to listen to what matters to you, as well as a chance to update you on what I do for Telford.
An MP must be the champion of all the people they represent. It is the MP’s job to challenge both local government and central government, to ensure your interests come first. Only an MP can represent the area in Parliament. Only an MP can speak about the needs and concerns of their area, as the local voice in Westminster; this above all else is my priority.
Elections are often divisive. If an election campaign locally is personally hostile, or if local political activists make false claims for political gain, it can whip up resentment and sometimes anger, which is detrimental to our community.
At this election, as in 2015, I chose instead to campaign on my record of action, with a strong positive message. This approach means it is now easier to bring our community back together and easier to move forward as the elected representative of all of our community.
Ours has always been a changing town; Telford has throughout its proud history adapted to change and taken the next step. Sometimes to make the most of the future, it means letting go of the past. As Telford has changed, so too has the political landscape.
Change is never easy. I understand there will be some who seek to resist change. However, those in positions of responsibility, serving our community on our Local Council, must respect democracy and put the town before narrow political advantage. Having been re elected by Telford as the Member of Parliament for the second time, I want a more collaborative, less political approach from fellow community leaders; it is this approach that best serves Telford, this approach that brings our community together, in the interests of all.