Ed Davey count speech 

EMBARGO: Immediate Release

Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey has been re-elected in Kingston and Surbiton. Please see Ed Davey's speech below [check against delivery]: 

Thank you. It’s been a great privilege to serve our Kingston and Surbiton communities over many years.

And I am humbled that you’ve put your faith in me - to do it again. So let me say a big “thank you”.

And thank you too, to Sarah our Returning Officer, and to all the staff and police who’ve worked here through the night.

You are the unsung heroes of our democracy. It simply wouldn’t work without you. And thank you to my fellow candidates. For making this, a campaign we can all be proud of.  I wish you all well in the future.

Now, I don’t know if you could tell, but I’ve really enjoyed this election! But what I’ve loved most - hasn’t been the paddle-boarding or the bungee-jumping…

It’s been speaking to people here in Kingston and Surbiton and across the United Kingdom. About the challenges they face - and their hopes for the future.

People who are working hard, raising families, caring for loved ones, playing by the rules – But finding it harder and harder to make ends meet. 

People who’ve had to wait hours for an ambulance, weeks to see a GP, months to start urgent cancer treatment.

People who are angry at the filthy sewage being pumped into our rivers and onto our beaches.

People who feel let down and taken for granted - and are desperate for change. Many of them have turned to the Liberal Democrats - in some cases, for the first time at this election - to be their champions.

Well, we’ve heard you - loud and clear. We’ve put your concerns at the heart of our campaign.

Number one amongst them: fixing the health and care crisis. So that you can see a doctor or a dentist when you need to.

And so your loved ones get the high-quality care they need, when and where they need it - that’s what Liberal Democrat MPs will fight for every day in the new Parliament.

I’ve shared my own caring story during this campaign. And I’ve been overwhelmed by the response – especially from fellow carers.

People looking after their loved ones, who’ve got in touch to say “that’s my story too”.

Grateful that we’ve brought caring out of the shadows at last. And we will continue to stand up for a society where we value care, and properly support carers.

Because we can’t afford not to. Let me finish by thanking my wonderful family - even though I hope they’re sound asleep!

Emily – I love you and I could not do this job without you. Ellie and John, I love you so much.

And to our fantastic team who’ve made this result happen. My election agent, Simon Drage - and organiser, Cosmo Lupton. Our incredible team here in Kingston and Surbiton, and all the Liberal Democrat campaigners - across the country - who’ve fought tirelessly for a fair deal.

You are all amazing. Tonight is your night. And tonight is for everyone, across our United Kingdom, who are desperate for change – and ready to build the brighter, fairer future our country deserves.

Thank you very much.

ENDS