It’s certainly been an interesting few weeks, but the most interesting was last week. I won’t pretend that the result of the election was not the one we desired and there will be many important developments coming up over the next days and weeks. Here in Wyre Forest, though, we had a very decisive result and I am both delighted and honoured to have been re-elected, not just for a third term, but with the biggest vote share of any MP that has represented Wyre Forest since the constituency was created in the 1970s.

As I go back to Westminster, to continue the work for our community, I am conscious of two important things.

The first is that a high vote share brings with it a high expectation from all of Wyre Forest. It is both flattering and humbling to have been given this endorsement, but I am conscious that I should aim not just to deliver on those expectations: it is up to me both meet and exceed those expectations. My work for all the district must be redoubled. I have promised to drive up local wages through bringing more training, meeting the expectations of higher paying employers. But I must continue to build on my work helping the 3,500 existing businesses here in our community. I must do more to bring more investment, to develop our communities, to help those left behind, to support voluntary groups, to help people find jobs. There is much more, from casework to ensuring our public services are supported and strengthened.

The second is just as important. Whilst nearly 30,000 put their cross in the Conservative box last week, over 45,000 voted for other parties or not at all. Over 20,000 don’t have a vote, but all their interests are important. So I will continue to work in a non-partisan way here in Wyre Forest. Everyone, irrespective of political allegiance, must have the confidence that their MP will work for them without any favour one way or another. It is how I have worked up to now, but I need to ensure that everyone trusts that will not change that in the future.

I am incredibly grateful and honoured to be able to come back to represent this amazing community. It is one of the greatest privileges I know to have this job, so thank you all for this chance to work for you again.