Through the letters page of your paper, I would like to take the opportunity to thank all the people in Hertsmere who supported me, and the Liberal Democrats, in the General Election on June 7, and to congratulate James Clappison on his success.

I believe there are a number of things to take away from the poll last Thursday. Firstly, the increase in support for the Liberal Democrats was a reward for our straightforward campaign: including our policy of improving public services through taxation, a fair tax.

Secondly, I believe it is now clear that the Labour Party will not win the Hertsmere parliamentary seat.

Thirdly, and the most important thing, is that all of us involved in politics must learn from the number of people who either abstained from voting or who chose to spoil their ballot papers.

I believe that people are looking to be more involved in decision-making, seek transparent accountability and most of all less spin. People would then realise the value and power of their vote to enable real change. I would be most interested tohear the views of your readers. They can contact me by e-mail at paul_tommy_thompson@hotmail.com.

The Liberal Democrats are here to stay and we will continue to campaign on the issues people talked to us about during the campaign.

Paul Thompson,

Hertsmere Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate. General Election June 2001