Firstly, thank you very much for all the team working here tonight and particularly to Ian Fitchett and his team who has put up with our questions over the last few weeks and has organised such an efficient team tonight. Thank you.
Thank you to the police who have kept us safe and made sure that democracy happens. Thank you to all the other candidates in this election whom I have enjoyed getting to know over the last few weeks during the hustings. I know how hard it is and I thank you for the civilised campaign.
Now, a big thank you to my own team, Glynne, my campaign manager, Cheryl, my right hand woman, Lesley who organised a brilliant day today and all the fantastic members of the Conservative party who have had the faith in me to spend many hours helping and funding the campaign. A big thank you to my long suffering family who have had to put up with my dream for a long time. Every single one of you has my gratitude.
Most importantly, thank you to the people of Portsmouth for adopting me. I am sure they would wish me to pass on your thanks to Mike Hancock for his work as an MP since 1997 and for his many years of contribution to politics in the city.
We have run a positive campaign, I believe that is the right way to campaign. Focusing on the policies rather than personalities, showing people that we have a plan to move forward.
I will be focusing on my plan for Portsmouth, I will be campaigning for more diverse jobs and investment, raising standards in education so our young people have the best start in life.
Most importantly to many people, I will be campaigning for a better NHS, more GPs here, better access for mental health and A and E. I will make sure that everyone is looked after, regardless of their politics.
There is plenty to do, I am looking forward to working with Penny and making sure that Portsmouth people are supported in all their endeavours.
Lastly, my journey to becoming an MP has been a long one. I have served my apprenticeship. To the young people that I have met recently including pupils from Portsmouth Grammar School here night, you need determination and persistence in your ambitions as you do in any profession. It is not an easy journey. I am looking forward to introducing a new generation of young people to politics and ensuring the democratic future of our country.
Thank you to everyone again for those who made this evening possible.