Dear neighbour,
As you will have seen, I was not re-elected yesterday.
As a conservative, the entire of human history has been one long slow defeat. So this result doesn’t exactly come as a surprise.
All political careers end in failure. I’ve always said that I’d consider mine a success if I leave with my integrity intact and if I’ve been able to help people, whenever that career might come to an end.
Given the undeniable failures of successive Conservative governments, I wouldn’t exactly say that I am proud of the last 5 years. But I leave with my head held high, having helped a huge number of local people, securing hundreds of millions of pounds of investment for our area, and creating the High Peak Jobs & Apprenticeships Fair programme.
I stood up to two Prime Ministers. I played my part in defeating antisemitism as a mainstream force in our politics. And, of course, I finally got the Mottram Bypass construction scheduled to start in just a few weeks time, after over 50 years of waiting.
Not bad going, given the circumstances of the last few years.
I want to thank the people of the High Peak, and all those who have helped me. My amazing staff. My wonderful supporters, who are far too numerous to name here. The members of High Peak Conservative Association that took a chance on selecting a 31 year old from Manchester. My friends and family, who have all tolerated me during these difficult years. My mum and dad, who are -quite simply- the greatest parents in the world.
I have tried my best not to let any of you down. I hope I succeeded more often than I failed.
Finally, I want to congratulate Jon Pearce on his victory. I sincerely and wholeheartedly wish him both happiness and success as our new Member of Parliament.
The country, and indeed the entire western world, faces enormous challenges. We all need the new Government to succeed. As our new MP, Jon’s successes will be High Peak’s successes. I will be willing him on.
Best wishes,
Robert
