Sir, may I through Open Lines express my thanks to all those in Bristol East who voted for me as the Liberal Democrat candidate at the General Election.
Though we did not win the seat, moving from third to second place sends a clear message to New Labour that they cannot take the people of Bristol East for granted over the next Parliament.
I look to the extra Liberal Democrat MPs in the House to encourage this government to adopt some of the policies you found so attractive: abolition of the Council Tax; a fairer and simpler tax system; greater social justice for those such as students and pensioners who are on low incomes during their early and later years and a renewal of our national commitment to the rule of international law.
In the course of knocking on doors in Bristol East I made a number of personal commitments to help residents solve individual problems that were worrying them. I made those commitments whether I won or not and I intend to do what I can, as a private citizen rather than your MP, to fulfil those promises.
Yours faithfully
Philip C James
[Text as sent to the Bristol Evening Post]
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