Amber Rudd MP - her first message to the people of Hastings and Rye

Last Thursday I asked the voters of Hastings and Rye to choose me to be their Member of Parliament and they did. Thank you for putting your trust in me.

Secondly, I know it is a big job. As I walked down the High Street to the polling station last Thursday a builder up a ladder shouted down at me. "Oi, Amber! I'm going to vote for you. I've never voted Tory before (yes really!) - BUT you'd better be good!"

I like to think it was more of an encouragement than a threat, but I do not doubt the sentiment '“ namely, that I will be expected to show that I am doing a good job, that I am accountable to the voters. And that is the way it should be.

I know that this is not a prize in itself. It is an honour certainly but also an obligation to help and work for the people of Hastings and Rye. And that is what I will be doing.

As a resident of Hastings I have campaigned for our schools, raised petitions for our pensioners, held a national conference for our fishermen, supported local businesses, led plans for better rail transport and protested against any reduced services to our hospitals.

As your MP I will be equally active, energetic and persistent on your behalf.

We now have a coalition government for five years led by David Cameron supported by the Liberals Democrats. Nationally we are looking at strong, stable leadership in difficult times. I will be your advocate, your champion, to protect our quality of life and to suport all the residents of Hastings and Rye.

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