Last Friday a thin strip of light stretched across the UK from points south to the most northerly tip of Scotland. It had nothing to do with the climactic events of the previous night. Instead those beacons, lit for “VE” Day, marked the sacrifices made by my grandparents’ generation. It was what they did in defeating fascism that ensured we are still deciding our country’s future at the ballot box.
It is a moving experience to be part of that process. In thanking staff at the polling stations across the constituency we met individuals who had made huge efforts – driving in one case hundreds of miles – to cast their vote in person.
We had a “good” campaign in Horsham: all candidates behaving with the mutual respect voters want to see in those that wish to represent them. All were united in a desire to deliver for this constituency.
I was delighted to be elected and it is now that the hard work begins.
Many kind people came up to wish us well when we were out and about over the weekend. Several generously started “I didn’t vote for you but….” It is a privilege to serve every resident, whatever their politics.
In the midst of what is the inevitable hiatus of the first few days (a new MP starts from scratch: no computer, no office, no secretary) I have my first constituency cases. There will be many other residents who need help, where I can provide it I will find that part of the role immensely rewarding – and where I can’t help one of the most frustrating.
One of the misconceptions I will have to deal with in Westminster is that the area is already in every way perfect! The surveys announcing how happy residents are to live here are true but run the risk of being self-defeating.
Much of the pressure on the Horsham constituency stems from its very popularity as a place to live and work.
As your MP I will demand delivery of the infrastructure that is so important for the area to retain its enviable reputation. Ensuring our schools are resourced to maintain their excellent standards with rising numbers of students, investment in our train services and above all increased local health provision. The demands for a local acute hospital are long standing and will not diminish. While that fight continues l want to do all I can to bolster primary care and help get the most out of Horsham Hospital.
No one “gives” you a vote at a General Election, they are only ever lent. I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve the community and will do so to the very best of my ability.