Liz Pole on the way forward for Labour

We've had our third General Election campaign in four and a half years, and it's a credit to the people of Tiverton and Honiton that they found the enthusiasm to engage with our new policies and to go out to vote.

All the candidates were charming in person, and we were lucky here that all the campaign teams ran a reasonably civil contest.

It was not only my privilege to stand, but also a genuinely enjoyable experience. I would like to thank everyone who voted for Labour, for hope and for change.

Labour remains the clear official opposition here, and the other runners-up combined barely matched our vote.

I'm not a career politician, so was a bit worried about media interviews when I was asked to stand for Labour. But when faced with live radio and TV appearances at the count, I took it in my stride.

My focus on saying yes, instead of no, carries me a long way. I've discovered new reserves of resilience and capability in myself. I would encourage anyone who worries about taking on a public role to put aside their fears and go for it.

Once you are carried along by a cause you believe in, words come more easily, and I have found that people actually want heartfelt passion more than slick presentation.

Labour's campaign has shown us that volunteers and community groups, who have had to fill the gaps left by ten years of government underfunding, support the properly funded programmes Labour is proposing.

I am excited about the new opportunities we now have to get involved with local initiatives: those volunteers know we understand their challenges and are on their side.

Our campaign has shown people that Labour is not just a party for the big cities, and that its programme for small businesses, farming and the countryside is just what our constituency needs.

We have been getting that message across by walking up farm lanes, into shops and offices, community hubs and workshops.

I am more convinced than ever that our constituency is crying out for a local MP who engages in the community, and carries out their promises instead of talking in empty soundbites and chasing photo opportunities.

Labour is the only party that can ensure the planet is a safe place for our children to live out their futures.

Our shadow agriculture and environment team's rural programme was broadly welcomed by the National Farmers Union, and it was sad to see them lose their rural seats. For me, those seats were lost because the rural public trusted the Conservatives - the same Conservatives who have driven us into a political and economic corner - to lead us back out of it.

We will keep showing the public that we are on their side.

In spite of what the headlines say about Labour, here in Tiverton and Honiton our approach to the future is harmonious and optimistic. We will not waste the chance we have been given to speak to voters in the villages and countryside and show them that Labour's policies can work for them.

There is plenty of talent on the Labour front and back-benches, and we are all looking forward to the popular Labour leadership that will deliver the shared prosperity and international standing Britain deserves.