The general election last week was truly amazing. I would like to say an enormous thanks to all the people that voted for me and delivered a Conservative Member of Parliament for Sedgefield for the first time since 1935. I would also like to commend Phil Wilson for his speech after the result and the gracious manner in which he reacted. We met on the campaign trail at various times and throughout the constituency and exchanges were always convivial.

I am extraordinarily proud to be your MP and will do all I can to justify your support, I will look to establish a constituency office in Newton Aycliffe as soon as practicable and I will work out how to connect with as many people as often as possible to hear your views, but this week has been all about inductions and training followed by the appointment of the new speaker and then the Queens speech.

I have a new email address of paul.howell.mp@parliament.uk for anyone that wishes to contact me before the office opens but in the meantime can I wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy new year.

Paul Howell

Member of Parliament for Sedgefield