A big thank you!

In the early hours of Friday 8th May, I was re-elected to serve for a further five years as the Member of Parliament for Edinburgh South.

I am so thankful to those who put their trust in me, who turned out to have their say, and those who have helped to make the democratic system work.

I want to thank a number of people who made the election possible:

• every single person who voted in the election. Whether you voted for me or not!
• the returning officer, her staff who stayed up late to administer and count the votes, and her staff who woke up early to staff the polling stations. Without them, the election just wouldn’t happen.
• the police who ensured a safe and secure election.

I also want to thank my fellow candidates. It is not an easy process putting yourself forward for election. At all times, we had a vigorous but fair challenge of ideas – so my gratitude goes to Pramod, Colin, Phyl, Neil, Miles and Paul.

Lastly I want to thank the volunteers, staff and members of the local Labour Party who campaigned for me. Your hard work was invaluable. There has been a lot written about the election in Edinburgh South, and too little of the analysis has been devoted to those kind people who gave up literally thousands of hours to help convince their neighbours, deliver leaflets and spread the message.

Thank you to all, and I pledge to honour the trust you have put in me.

I will not let you down.