Thank you to every single person who placed their trust in me. I appreciated every vote, but it wasn’t enough to win. I want to take this opportunity to wish my successor all the very best for this term of Parliament.
If you told me just 10 years ago that I’d have served as a Member of Parliament, I would have been amazed. My interest in politics only started when I moved from presenting to journalism at the BBC. I have always been driven by local issues and helping people, and I believe I did my best to serve the people of East Devon throughout a very difficult time for our country.
It was the greatest honour of my life to represent a truly beautiful part of my home county. As one chapter of my life closes, I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has been part of the journey. My wonderful team, both past and present, and my truly dedicated campaigners who’ve worked incredibly hard on my re-election campaign.
I also want to thank the brilliant charities, councillors, officers, community organisations and countless others who I’ve worked with over the last few years to help improve the lives of local people.
I will be eternally grateful for everyone’s efforts and the truly heart-warming messages from many people who voted for me. It will undoubtedly take time for the Conservative Party to rebuild from this defeat, but I hope it does so without lurching towards any ideology that seeks to divide rather than bring people together.
Nothing lasts forever. It was a pleasure and privilege to serve you all. I look forward to the next chapter of my life, but first it’s time for a rest… and maybe a cider or two!