Malhotra becomes Labour’s Newest MP

Congratulations to Seema Malhotra who became labour’s newest MP in the early hours of the morning. Labour retained the Feltham and Heston seat with an 8% swing from the Tories, and an increased majority of 6,203.

After the result Malhotra gave the following speech:

“This result is a great victory for the people of Feltham and Heston.

A victory for Labour, which shows the progress we are making under Ed Miliband’s leadership.

A vote of confidence in the way Labour is changing, listening harder. Winning back the trust of the people we seek to serve.

But this is also a wake-up call for David Cameron.

This result shows how this Tory-led Government is totally out of touch with families, with businesses, with young people and out of touch with our pensioners too.

This is my hometown. The place where I grew up, where I went to school, where I was married – right here in Hounslow Civic Centre.

People in Feltham and Heston know the Coalition is failing:

• Failing the students I met in Feltham, struggling to get to college after their EMA was cut
• Failing the jobless young man I met in Cranford – a graduate – struggling to even get short term work
• Failing the pensioners I visited in Heston, worried about keeping warm as their winter fuel allowance is slashed.

Prime Minister, for the sake of our country, and for the sake of this community, take heed of tonight’s clear message from the people of Feltham and Heston. They have sent it to you, as much as to me. I shall fight for a better life for them, and, with my Labour colleagues, will demand that you do so, too.

What people really need this Christmas is a change of course to get our economy moving again.

But let me say: This is an election none of us wanted.

Alan Keen was one of the first MPs I ever met, and the most emotional part of this campaign has been hearing the many personal stories from people he helped over the last 20 years.

Alan is a great loss to our community and it will be a privilege to continue his work.

Mr Returning Officer, may I, on behalf of all the candidates, thank you and your staff for ensuring that today’s election was conducted fairly.

May I thank Hounslow Police for ensuring a safe election.

Thank you to my agent and my amazing and committed team, and to Cllr Jagdish Sharma and his team of Labour councillors who have worked so hard.

My victory is your victory, and a victory for the whole community.

Thanks to my family for their undying support– especially my mother and father who have been stalwarts in Hounslow’s community for the last forty years.

Most of all, thanks to the people of Feltham and Heston who put their trust in me to be their new MP – it is an honour to represent you.

I will do my part in standing up for this community and the hopes of the next generation – people want fairness and to see greater responsibility at the top – and the bottom – of society.

My real work starts tomorrow campaigning for a change in direction – for jobs and growth, hope and progress.

I am ready for the challenge.

Thank you.”