Pendle's now former MP, Andrew Stephenson, has spoken out for the first time since losing his seat in last week's General Election.
"After a bruising week what better way to reflect than climbing Pendle Hill at sunrise?I’m so grateful to everyone for their kindness since the election result was announced. I have been so moved by the hundreds of lovely messages I have received, including many from people who didn’t vote for me! I will respond to as many as I can but please give me time to process things.This is obviously a difficult time for me and my team. The inevitable consequence of losing an election is that not only do you lose your job (that’s democracy), but my wonderful staff also lose theirs. They have all been incredible and couldn’t have worked any harder to support local residents, so if any local businesses are looking for new talented people please drop me a line.Quite understandably lots of people are asking me what I plan to do next. For now my only real concern is helping my staff find new jobs, shutting down my Barnoldswick and Nelson offices and handing over any open cases to my successor (where residents are happy for me to do so) who I again congratulate on his victory.After that I’ll probably have a long overdue holiday and then spend some more time sat on top of Pendle Hill thinking about the future.After 14 years of weekends packed with community events it has felt odd not to be out and about this weekend. But I think it’s only right I take a step back and reflect.So please accept my apologies if I haven’t answered your call/text/email/FB message - please know they are all greatly appreciated and I couldn’t have achieved any of the things I have done over the last 14 years without the incredible support of local people who make this area so special."
In a message immediately after the election result, Andrew wished his victor well, said it was an honour to serve the constituents of Pendle:
“Can I thank the Acting Returning Officer and all her staff, especially those who worked all day running the election, as well as being involved in the count.
Rest assured my remarks will be brief, but I would just like to say thank you to a few people.
I would like to thank the police and my fellow election candidates. I would like to congratulate Jonathan on his victory. This area is a truly special and wonderful part of the country and I wish him well in representing the new ‘Pendle and Clitheroe’ constituency.
Can I also thank my own team. My Election Agent, Adam Brierley, who ran an incredible campaign.
My Association Co-Chairman Adrian Mitchell MBE, who has literally dedicated his life to the Conservative Party and all the other volunteers, too countless to name, who have gone above and beyond to see if we could defy all the opinion polls and buck the trend. Sadly, it wasn’t to be.
Can I also thank my family – Chris, Malcolm, Ann, Andrea and Jenny – who have always been at my side election after election.
Can I thank my incredible constituency and Westminster staff – Alastair, Laura, Rachael, Sheelagh, Nasir and Tom – and all those who have worked for me over the past 14 years.
During the campaign lots of residents thanked me for help I had provided them, but in reality, I have been truly blessed with incredibly dedicated staff who would always go above and beyond to help local people.
Most of all can I thank the voters. The tens of thousands who have voted for me in the past four General Elections and in this one.
Giving me the opportunity to make a positive difference to our area and our nation.
It has truly been an honour to serve our area.”
LINKS:
Andrew Stephenson Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/andrew4pendle