New Member of Parliament for the Chippenham constituency, Michelle Donelan, has expressed her delight at her victory in the General Election on 7th May.
She gained 26,354 votes (48%) in the election, triumphing over her Lib Dem opponent, former MP Duncan Hames (16,278 – 29%) by over 10,000 votes.
UKIP’s Julia Reid took third place with 5,884 (11%), Labour’s Andy Newman received 4,561 (8%), and Green Party’s Tina Johnston 2,330 (4%).
Michelle Donelan thanked everyone who voted for her and said, “My team and I have pounded the streets to spread the message of my plan for our area and the benefits of stability and economic security with a Conservative government. However it is you, the voters, who have given me this opportunity.
“I pledge to work hard to repay the trust and faith placed in me. I will be a strong and effective MP for all my constituents. I will work to rejuvenate Melksham town centre, address the use of derelict shops and market our towns to attract more businesses to relocate here and support our small businesses (our local job creators).
“I appreciate the importance of my role because we really are at a turning point, we are building house after house without attracting local jobs for new residents. We deserve more than being simply dormitory areas.”