On Thursday 4 July the British people turned their back on 14 years of Tory failure. Up and down the country people said no more to Tory division, chaos, cruelty, and corruption and voted for change on a historic scale.

It was a momentous night because whilst it has been a privilege to be a Member of Parliament since 2015, in opposition it has been incredibly difficult to watch the damage the Tories have done to our community and to our economy.

The growing queues outside our food banks, the families I’d meet at my advice surgeries trapped in temporary accommodation for years, the people waiting in pain for operations or finding it impossible to access mental health care, the school buildings literally crumbling to pieces around us and the crimes going unsolved because all too often the police don’t even come when you call.

I’ve spoken to countless young people on my school visits who despair at the government’s inaction on climate change, the biggest challenge we face, and I’ve watched hard working families devastated by soaring mortgages, rents and bills because the Tories crashed the economy and made you pay the price.

Under a Conservative Government, despite all my efforts, despite the hard work of Haringey Council and our Labour Mayor Sadiq Khan, the truth is it has been impossible to bring about the change our community and our country so desperately needs.

Tonight, with a Labour Government, is the start of building a brighter future.  A fairer, greener, safer society for everyone here in Hornsey & Friern Barnet.

And under Keir Starmer’s changed Labour Party it is the start of rebuilding the trust and belief that politics can make a difference which the Tories have so comprehensively eroded.

I am incredibly grateful to the people of Hornsey & Friern Barnet for putting your trust in me, and electing me as the first MP of this new constituency.  I am overwhelmed by the support I have received during the campaign and honoured to have received the second largest majority in the country.

I want to thank everyone who has helped on my campaign, and to the local Hornsey & Friern Barnet Labour Party who have done so much to support not only my re-election but to help Labour candidates fighting marginal seats across London and beyond.  It is only through winning these seats, and achieving a Labour Government, that we can bring about change.

Labour will honour the trust you have placed in us and, as I always have, I will continue to stand up for all members of our diverse community and challenge those who seek to divide us.