It’s the eve of polling day

The last few months have flown by and I have been reflecting on just how much this campaign has taught me.

I’ve covered a huge amount of the constituency, spoken with so many of you on the doorstep and have become used to people stopping me in the street to talk about the issues that matter to them.

I’ve also been incredibly grateful for the opportunity to meet with so many organisations and individuals across our community. I deliberately made time for those conversations because I wanted to properly understand the issues facing them.

From the hospice and the wider third sector, to businesses, community organisations and those working across our public services, each meeting gave me an alternative viewpoint. I’ve made my own notes after every meeting, gone away and researched the issues raised, and tried to understand not just the problem but what might realistically be done about it.

That is how I have always approached things. I research, ask questions, listen and take notes - I learn.  Those without wisdom are not as valuable to a democracy as people who are well informed, thoughtful and prepared to take a different perspective.

I’ve also had to push myself outside my comfort zone. Public speaking, particularly live interviews, is daunting, but rather like running a marathon, the more you do it, the more comfortable you become. You learn to trust the preparation you’ve put in.

I’ve led my own campaign, without coaching or interference, and I’ve stayed true to myself throughout it. I’ve relied on the same qualities that have served me throughout my working life: hard work, preparation, research and a willingness to learn.

If I’m fortunate enough to be elected tomorrow, I know I still won’t have all the answers, but I will know how to find them and where to do the research.

Most importantly, I am rooted in this community. I live here, I work here and I care deeply about the place we share, what affects you affects me.

I’ve been incredibly privileged to meet some of the extraordinary people who have made our constituency their forever home, and I would never take for granted the opportunity to represent them.

We have some significant challenges ahead. I believe we need people who can bring a practical business head, common sense and sound judgement to those challenges, while keeping the people they represent firmly at the heart of every decision.

If I’m successful tomorrow, I won’t take a single moment for granted, but first, please use your vote.

Thank you to everyone who has opened their door, invited me in for a cup of tea, stopped me in the street, shared their experience, challenged me, encouraged me or simply wished me well.

It has been quite a journey, and I’m incredibly grateful for it.