Chloe Smith: Victory speech
Read full excerpts from the victory speech of the new Tory MP of Norwich North, Chloe Smith:
“I’d like to begin of course by sending my best wishes for a speedy recovery to Chris Ostrowski, the Labour candidate, and his wife.
“And then I’d like to thanks my friends, my family, my campaign team and the hundreds of people who have campaigned for me in the last few weeks.
“But most of all I would of course like to thank the people of Norwich North. They’ve entrusted me, they’ve given me the honour of representing them in the House of Commons.
“I’d also like to pay tribute to my predecessor, Ian Gibson. In Ian, the people of Norwich had an MP who was a strong independent and local voice. Being a Conservative, I may not have agreed with him on everything but I’m determined to represent the people of Norwich North with the same honesty and conviction.
“And that is the approach I’ve taken throughout this by-election campaign.
“I’ve been absolutely clear – if come the general election you feel I haven’t kept my promises you should vote me out. This by-election has been a victory for honest politics. The people of Norwich North have rejected the old politics of personal attacks, of bickering, of smears. They voted for change and in doing so they have sent a message to Gordon Brown.
“But this election was not just won on national issues – it was won on local issues to. I will be a tireless champion for local people. I know that in making me your member of parliament today you have invested great responsibility in me but it is a responsibility I take with pride and humility. It will be an honour to serve you and I will not let you down.”
