LAST week’s election result was a surprise, not least to me, as I had expected to come close, never in my wildest dreams did I think Labour would beat the Conservatives by a significant majority of nearly 4,000 votes.

I am honoured and deeply grateful to local people for voting Labour in the election and I will work hard to represent Reading, Caversham and Emmer Green and Woodley and Earley in Parliament.

I have tried to get to work as quickly as possible, although there are a number of practical problems. In particular, I do not yet have any staff, or an office, although the house authorities have been very helpful, as they provide a dedicated person to show new MPs around and to help you make arrangements to recruit staff and buy IT equipment.

I have also been able to take in the sense of history and the responsibility we have.

I felt humbled when I walked into the chamber and sat on the green benches when I met the other new MPs.

It is important to remember that people fought for the right to vote and to protect our democracy.

As an MP you have a duty to local people, you are their representative in parliament, standing up for them on issues they are concerned about.

I am already trying to raise issues, like the need to stop cuts to the NHS, schools and other public services; the importance of stopping a risky hard Brexit and the need for more affordable housing to buy and rent.

I would once again like to thank people for voting Labour and I will work hard to represent our community.