Former MP takes to Facebook to offer help to his Conservative successor after defeat
FORMER Hyndburn MP Graham Jones has spoken out after the Conservatives won the seat for first time in 27 years.
The Labour candidate has admitted he was ‘disappointed’ with the result but went on to congratulate his successor, Sara Britcliffe.
In a video on Facebook, he said: “I’ve just come back from the count and sadly I lost.
“I’ve just thanked the volunteers and the staff and I thought I’d do a short video.
“I’d like to congratulate Sara, it was a real honour and a privilege to represent this constituency and I hope she does well... I really do because it matters to the people of Hyndburn.
“I’ve certainly enjoyed it. I think that what I would say is what Ken Hargreaves said to me. He said he would help me at any time during my career and I never forgot that and I always promised that I would help my successor. And if Sara needs any help at all, in parliamentary life or parliamentary matters, I am more than happy to help and keep that promise...”
Mr Jones also announced that he plans to pursue some charity work and commit himself to the voluntary sector.
He added: “Obviously, I am disappointed but I just want to look back. I’m pleased that I went straight from a factory to a frontbencher and I did five years.
“I was really privileged and honoured to be elected as a chair of the House of Commons committee during my time and it gives you enormous influence and that was something I’m really proud of in my time.
“That I actually did achieve something and there are certain things now that wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t have made those efforts.
“But life moves on, so
I’m going to do what Ken did. I think there is some charity work that I’d like to do.
“I’ve set up a charity to save the church, of course, and I’m involved in some other organisations and I think I’m going to commit myself to the voluntary sector now for the foreseeable future and take it from there and see what happens.
“But I want to continue to give something back to the people, because it matters to me. This area has always mattered to me, whether I’m in elected office or not.
“I still intend to give something back, and have a lot to give back and a lot of years to give something back which I would like to do.”
Despite admittedly being disappointed by the General Election result, Mr Jones claims his loss will allow him to spend quality time with his family.
He said: “Finally, I just want to thank my partner Kim because my daughter was born and then I went straight to parliament so I’ve missed nine years with Alana really.
“I’ve got the opportunity now to spend some time with Kim who has been really loyal to me and to Alana, my daughter, see her at the school plays and all the things that you miss. I’ve got the opportunity to do all of those now and I’m looking forward to that.
“I didn’t want to lose but life moves on and there’s new opportunity so to those who did help
- a big thank you.”