I would like to thank everyone in Southend West & Leigh who has contacted me since Friday or supported me over the last two and a half years. It has been a huge privilege to serve our new City in Parliament and to uphold and honour Sir David’s legacy. I would like to congratulate David Burton-Sampson on becoming the next member of Parliament for Southend West & Leigh, it is one of the best jobs in the world.
I am proud of what we have achieved together. The work we’ve done will benefit the people of Southend West & Leigh for years to come.
A much-needed, new A&E is under construction at the Hospital along with two new operating theatres, a new endoscopy suite and a new LINAC radiotherapy machine for targeted cancer therapy. Both Kingsdown and Blenheim Primary schools will be substantially up-graded, hugely benefitting children with special educational needs and local families. A new clam fishery will start-up in the Estuary in October providing extra income and opportunities for our fishermen, along with £15 million of improvements to Old Leigh Port.
We’ve also got £104 million of investment coming to reduce storm overflows and clean up our waters.
Finally, our pets will be better protected under my Pet Abduction Act and changing the law to outlaw nitrous oxide and zombie knives will make our sea-front safer.
I am proud to have played my part in delivering these things for our City, as well as always being on hand to help and support Southend United Football Club whenever needed.
However, the people of Southend & Leigh have now clearly chosen to go in a different direction and I wish David Burton-Sampson every success in representing our City in Parliament.
I would like to say an enormous thank you to my family for all their amazing support, particularly my husband Edward, and also to my wonderful team, who have given everything (more than can ever be described) to Southend West & Leigh over the last 2 and a half years. I would also like to thank my agent, Owen Cartey, and my Association for working tirelessly, not just the last 6 weeks, but all the year round.
Finally, a heartfelt thank you to all Conservative and non-Conservative voters who took the trouble to go and vote for me yesterday. It is truly humbling and thank you again for the opportunity to serve.
I look forward to seeing you all soon and I fully intend to continue standing up for local people, against injustice and for Conservative principles of freedom, fairness, aspiration and opportunity.
