I’m honoured to serve as the Member of Parliament for Rother Valley.

I’d like to thank all my team, who have worked so tirelessly in a long and tough general election campaign.

But thank you most of all to the voters of Rother Valley. I have had thousands of conversations over the campaign. To all those who supported me, and those who did not, I thank you for taking the time to talk. It is an enormous privilege – the privilege of my life – to serve as your Member of Parliament. I hope to do so in the spirit of service, bringing people together for the common good, and representing our interests in Parliament.

I want to pay tribute to all the candidates in this election. It is never easy to put your head above the parapet and stand for public office. Each has done so with great spirit – and I thank them.

I also want to pay tribute to Alexander Stafford. We may disagree on many issues, but Alexander worked tirelessly and I have no doubt believed passionately in the causes he supported. I thank him, on behalf of so many.

As I said during the campaign, I look forward to working with everyone across the community – of whatever political colour – to make the improvements we so desperately need.

It will take me some time to set up my Parliamentary office, with staff and the ability to take up casework. Please do bear with me. But I look forward to getting to work.

Thank you.