Dear Editor,

I write to offer my profound thanks to the people of Hereford and South Herefordshire for re-electing me as their Member of Parliament.

I was absolutely bowled over by Thursday's result. To gain a majority of nearly 17,000 and 53% of the vote has left me amazed and humbled.

Truly, I am lucky in my county and lucky in my voters.

I am especially grateful for the extraordinary support I received during the campaign itself from hundreds of local people, and in particular thank the many dozens of volunteers who knocked on doors, delivered leaflets and displayed posters. I pay tribute to the other candidates, and to all those who stood for the Council, for having the courage to put their names forward and offer themselves for public service. And I congratulate all those who ran the polling stations and the count on a job very well done.

At the same time, I am acutely aware that the key issues we face locally cannot be solved overnight. Herefordshire needs long term improvement and investment. We need to continue to safeguard the hospitals in Hereford and in Ross. We need to continue to boost the local economy, get a better deal for our public services, reduce traffic in Hereford city and work to create a new university.

None of this can happen overnight, but all these goals are achievable if we carry forward a sustained collective campaign alongside Herefordshire Council, local businesses and community groups. I will continue to do my utmost to achieve this, and to support and represent my constituents.

Jesse Norman, Member of Parliament Hereford and South Herefordshire