The Election

Many of you will still be taking in the National result, which has been something of an interesting, not to say unsettling one for the Country.

However, it is some reassurance to know that locally at any rate the stability of a Conservative administration remains. Thanks to those of you who voted for Jane in the election. In Long Ditton the result was disappointing with Jane finding herself in second place by some margin. It would have been a great thing for our community to have someone of Jane's energy and local knowledge in a position to help us achieve the very best.

However, I will of course continue to give the very best service to Long Ditton and Elmbridge, and will make sure my Conservative colleagues do the same. I will continue to strive to keep services as good as ever whilst maintaining council tax at the lowest possible level.

I am grateful to all those who helped the campaign and did so honestly and properly. My previous plea for a sensible and positive campaign from all parties was I fear too much to hope for. The continued promulgation of half-truths and outright lies by some, has become endemic and does no one any favours at all.

Reading some of the statements made I am at a loss as to how to respond to complete and unmitigated falsehood. It seems some would rather play silly games than get on with the sensible job of helping the community we serve, whether it is the local community in Elmbridge or the whole Country.

It is indicative of the transparency and fairness that prevails in the Conservative party that we continue both locally and nationally to get our message across. Whether popular or otherwise that message is clear and absolute.

Whether other parties choose to descend into lies and scurrilous game-playing at a time when faith in politics is at an all time low, must remain a matter for the conscience of the individuals involved. In many cases that is a perilous position to find ourselves in as it appears some have very little by way of moral integrity.

I make a plea once again to all in government, whether local or national:

You've had your fun at the expense of the truth, now at least knuckle down and get on with the job you purport to want, so that next time the glorification of your own achievements might actually be true rather than some hackneyed attempt to disguise the inconsequential efforts you have previously made.