Watch in full: Common’s youngest MP Keir Mather delivers victory speech for Labour

Watch in full: Youngest MP Keir Mather delivers victory speech for LabourCredit: PA

Transcript

00:00 [APPLAUSE]

00:10 Thank you.

00:14 Now, I want to begin my time as your MP by being very clear.

00:20 I understand the enormity of what has just happened.

00:24 I know what an honour this is.

00:27 And I am humbled by this opportunity to serve.

00:31 In this campaign, we have rewritten the rules on where Labour can win.

00:36 People have opened their doors to us and embraced our positive vision for the future.

00:41 And thousands of the votes cast yesterday were in Labour's box for the very first time.

00:48 For those of you who have put your faith in our party, thank you.

00:53 I don't take it lightly and I won't let you down.

00:57 And I don't shy away from the work that's to come.

01:00 The people of Selby and Ainsty have sent a clear message.

01:04 For too long, Conservatives up here and in Westminster have failed us.

01:10 And today that changes.

01:12 It's time for a fresh start.

01:15 Thank you to the returning officer, election staff and police

01:20 who have ensured the smooth running of both this election and this count.

01:24 Your work enables our democracy and it could not be more important.

01:28 Thank you also to my agent, Scott, and of course the hundreds of Labour campaigners

01:33 who have made this victory possible.

01:35 Your enthusiasm and your dedication have made history.

01:40 I have been so proud to campaign alongside you.

01:43 And I want to say a special thank you to my partner, Ewan, for all his help and support

01:47 and to my family for everything that they've done.

01:50 Over the past few months, speaking to hundreds of people on the doorstep,

01:54 I have encountered so much hardship.

01:57 Hardship made worse by 13 years of negligence and complacency from the Conservatives.

02:04 Today, that changes.

02:07 The people of Selby and Ainsty have made it clear.

02:10 They deserve public services that work and a thriving local economy.

02:15 They deserve urgent support in the cost of living crisis,

02:19 flood defences to protect our communities and an NHS that's fit for the future,

02:24 public transport that connects us, more police on our streets

02:29 and action to protect our beautiful countryside and rivers.

02:33 That's what we want and that's why I'm here.

02:37 And in a year's time, I believe we will be on the precipice of a Labour government.

02:42 A mission-driven Labour government to transform the country,

02:45 make fairer choices and empower communities across our region.

02:50 Today, we have made history so that tomorrow will be a fresh start for the people of Selby and Ainsty.

02:56 Thank you for giving me this chance to listen, to serve and to fight our corner.

03:01 I can't wait to get started. Thank you.

03:04 [Applause]