Thank You Palmerston North

Last night was, to say the very least, bitter-sweet. On the one hand, we successfully held Palmerston North and increased the majority 3-fold. On the other hand the party vote in Palmerston North reflected the swing across the country and Labour was firmly in second place behind National.

It’s worth noting, though, that the Government parties (National, ACT, United Future, Maori) amassed 13,755 party votes in Palmerston North whereas the Opposition (Labour, Greens, NZ First, Mana) collected 14,833 between us. Palmerston North remains a left-leaning city, if ever-so-slightly.

There are plenty of challenges ahead both for Palmerston North and for Labour and in my roles as electorate MP and member of the Labour caucus I intend to tackle those head on.

Today, however, I’m getting some rest and enjoying this wonderful sunshine.

Thank you to everyone who voted for me, volunteered for the campaign or supported us with positive thoughts. You got us over the line and you elected me to get back to work for you. That’s exactly what I intend to do.