My congratulations to Michelle on her victory in Barrow & Furness. Sheās now inherited the best job in the North, and I wish her well in it.
Iām hugely disappointed to have not got over the line. I would have dearly loved to continue to serve this amazing community, and to see some of the projects which we have launched, from Team Barrow through to our new university campus, and the campaign for Royal Town status, to have been realised. But it wasnāt to be, and you canāt only love democracy when youāre on the winning side.
Thank you to everyone across Barrow & Furness who lent me your votes and put your faith in me. To everyone who has worked with me to improve this community bit by bit over the last few years. To my amazing team, who have helped thousands of people and gone the extra mile time and again. And to those friends and supporters who committed days of time and immense amounts of shoe leather in campaigning with me. Youāve all been brilliant, and Iāll never be able to adequately thank you enough.
It hasnāt always been a pleasure, but it has been an absolute honour. Thank you so much for the opportunity you gave me these last 4 1/2 years to represent you.
S.