Madam, I owe profound thanks to the people of Hereford and South Herefordshire for choosing me as their next MP.  It is the greatest privilege I can imagine to be chosen to represent this constituency in Parliament.

The election was a very hard-fought contest, in which I was blessed with an incredibly dedicated campaign team; and with literally hundreds of volunteers who worked with huge diligence and commitment. I salute them all.

I would also like to pay tribute to Paul Keetch for his work on behalf of this constituency, over three terms as MP.  When I was first selected in 2006 Paul welcomed me warmly and magnanimously as the new candidate.  We are already working together to ensure a smooth transition for all constituency casework.

Over the next few weeks, I plan to set up a new constituency office in Hereford which is open and accessible to all constituents.  I shall also be holding regular surgeries.  All details will be widely published, but anyone wishing to contact me in the meantime may do so by writing to me c/o H&SH CA, Grove Mill, Wormelow HR2 8EG.

Inevitably, there may be a slight initial delay while the necessary arrangements are made.

Over the past three and a half years, I and my team have campaigned in a deliberately old-fashioned way:

•       By doing things that really make a difference, and that actively

benefit the community and put Herefordshire first;

•       By working across party boundaries, drawing ideas and expertise from

every quarter regardless of politics or ideology;

•       And by campaigning positively, and with honesty and integrity,

across the full range of issues.

It says more than I can about the people of Herefordshire that they have responded so enthusiastically to this old-fashioned approach.

At the national level I have argued consistently in books, pamphlets and in the press for a new, compassionate Conservatism, and for a new understanding of economics based on that political philosophy.  I will take these principles and these ideas into Parliament, on behalf of all my constituents.

Madam, Benjamin Disraeli famously said that all power is a trust.  As a nation, we face uncharted waters ahead, which will draw down heavily on our reserves of popular goodwill and support.  I am deeply grateful for the trust that Herefordians have shown in me, and I intend to discharge that trust with all my energy and strength.

Jesse Norman MP