South Holland and the Deepings MP John Hayes: 'touched by the kindness and support' of the community
During last week’s General Election, as at every other, I was touched by the kindness and support of my constituents here in South Holland and the Deepings.
Whether knocking on doors, canvassing in town centres or engaging with the multitude of local campaigns and causes I’ve been proud to champion - friendly faces and encouraging conversations reminded me of how fortunate I am to represent the very best constituency in Britain.
It’s all too easy to take our stable democracy for granted. Yet elections provide each and all of us with the chance to have our say and contribute to communities in which everyone has a stake. In a turbulent world, I am thankful to live in a nation in which votes are freely cast and fairly counted.
Whilst holding contrasting beliefs and opinions, my opponents campaigned with passion, largely, separating political differences from personal criticism. As I said in the pages of this newspaper at the outset, political discourse doesn’t have to be poisoned by spite - it is in the healthy tension between contrasting ideas that public policy is tempered.
In particular, I thank all the 37,338 who voted for me. Together, we won 76% of the vote, winning 31,000 more votes than my Labour opponent. Now, having been re-elected, my job is to speak up locally and nationally for everyone, regardless of political preference, as the people’s voice in Westminster.
Returning to Parliament this week, the mission to elevate those with least remains my primary priority. During the last year, as I led campaigns for those suffering from multiple sclerosis, diabetes, Chronic fatigue syndrome (ME), deafness in childhood and Spinal Muscular Atrophy, I was reminded repeatedly of the fragility of the human body and the duty of the fortunate to protect and promote people amongst us struggling with illness or infirmity. By raising awareness, ensuring optimal treatment and prioritising effective prevention, I want to make a difference to all those in need.
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Nationally, I am delighted that Boris Johnson’s working majority will finally allow us to ‘get Brexit done’, taking back control of our laws, money, borders and destiny. Throughout my career I have campaigned for the sovereign independence of our nation and, as numerous voters told me during this campaign, delivering the will of the people by enacting the result of the referendum is essential if faith in the trust between Parliament and the people is to be restored.
Brexit represents much more than a mere moment in history – it should empower those separated from decision making. Meaningful devolution can revitalise democratic engagement, as power is reclaimed from distant elites and redistributed to the people. It’s the many hard working patriots not the few, privileged metropolitan liberals that must shape our future.
The Prime Minister’s commitment to prioritise towns and villages represents an extremely exciting opportunity. That means investing in public services, which is why I will continue to make the case for more funding for the police, better resourced schools and improved NHS provision.
Here at home in South Holland and the Deepings and on the floor of the House of Commons, I want each and every constituent to know that I will continue to be a powerful voice in Parliament, but, most of all, try to be the best possible constituency MP.