General Election 2010

Statement from Jordan Newell
following the declaration of poll in Colchester
7 May 2010

"For the past two years, I have been fighting for Colchester and fighting for you. I have tried to ensure that Labour continues to have a voice in our town, and when it speaks it speaks for you.

I am pleased with the result that we - Colchester Labour Party - has achieved in this campaign. At the start of this campaign, I set myself three main objectives. Firstly, to work to ensure that the Tories did not win Colchester. Second, maintaining a good position for the Labour vote in this constituency; and lastly to retain our Colchester Borough Council seat in St Andrews and return Councillor Julie Young.

I am delighted that I achieved all three.

I send my congratulations to Bob Russell, upon his re-election as our Member of Parliament. I am confident that he will continue to ably serve all the residents of Colchester regardless of their political persuasion.

The Conservatives fought Colchester believing it to be a key marginal seat. Their result today and the fact no senior members of the Conservative front bench visited Colchester during the campaign, shows that they were at best deluded and at worst clouded by an arrogant sense of entitlement.

I pay tribute to my Agent, our local Labour Councillors and all the activists and supporters who have campaigned with me solidly and steadfastly since my selection in July 2008. Their help, support and encouragement has been unfailing and I am indebted to each and every one of them."

Jordan Newell