By now I’m sure many of you will have seen the news.
Despite the national polls and losses, I had hoped we could buck the trend locally and I could get over the line to continue serving as your MP. But it wasn’t to be.
The last four and a half years, serving as your Member of Parliament, has been the privilege of my life. So much has been achieved despite the most challenging of times, and that wouldn’t have been the case if it wasn’t for the incredible spirit and resilience of local people and businesses.
Never let those achievements be underestimated or erased. We’ve shown what politics can be - optimistic, ambitious, focused on our home. It doesn’t have to result in being ignored or forgotten by those in Whitehall and Westminster. But you need someone willing to be your voice. Your champion.
There are some unsung heroes too. And that’s the dedicated but small group of people who have worked with me over the four and a half years. Their efforts supporting residents, helping run the coach trips, and so much more, have been unwavering. They know who they are, and I couldn’t be prouder of them.
Finally, I hope you’ll continue to support the brilliant Burnley Conservatives team, without whom I couldn’t have done this job. They fight for residents day in and day out in the council chamber, and we need a strong opposition now more than ever.
For now, it’s time for me to get some sleep and take a couple of days off.
-Antony-
