Thank you very much to all the 1115 electors who voted for me on May 2nd. My majority increased from only 38 in 2009 to 184 with the Conservatives in second place, Labour 3rd and UKiP 4th. I’ve been very encouraged by all the messages of good will since the result was announced early on Friday afternoon. I promise to do my best for all the residents of Preston West over the next 4 years regardless of who you actually voted for.

The county now enters a period of “no overall control” since no party won the election and there will be a period of negotiation between the parties until a new administration is settled.