First, congratulations to John Coxon. I wish him good luck for the next four years.

Above all, special thanks go to all those who voted for me. I was very proud to be selected to represent Labour for Ashby.

And, it's a humbling experience to be new on the council scene and to receive so much support.

I am, of course, very disappointed that we didn't win the Ashby seat.

But I'm pleased that I was able to maintain our vote share at 30 per cent on an increased turnout compared with four years ago, especially as there were far more parties involved this time.

This shows that we are strengthening our support base which we can continue to build over the next four years.

And, many, many thanks to all those in the Labour Party who worked so hard on the campaign trail.

I'm really grateful to all the volunteers who gave their time and energy to turn out for me - our aching feet bear witness to this!

Campaigning could not have been anything like as effective without their continued support and hard work.

Over the next four years, I am determined to fight for improved local services for Ashby and across the district by whatever means available to me.

I hope I will be selected again to contest the seat for Labour in four years' time.

It would be an honour to join the list of distinguished county councillors who have represented Ashby for Labour.