Following the recent General Election, probably much like Gareth Southgate and his England team following the Euros final, I am left with a mixed sense of pride in what we achieved but frustration in not quite getting over the line this time. 

The journey towards standing in a General Election is a long one. Years of work have gone in to preparing for it. Just like our professional football players striving to play the big tournaments, long hours must be put in, sacrifices need to be made and there is no guarantee of success at the end. 

However, unlike those England legends, except for one part-time member of paid staff, everyone who worked on our campaign was a volunteer and I am extremely grateful to them all. 

For those of us who want to serve our community, a positive election result would have only been the start. Unlike the England football players, who may have considered it “mission accomplished” to lift that trophy, for those privileged and honoured enough to be elected to office, a successful campaign is simply the beginning of even harder work and greater commitment.

There was of course, a not-so-small pang of envy, as I watched my Liberal Democrat friends and colleagues who were successfully elected, being rushed up to Westminster on Monday for photo opportunities, swearing in and the initial meetings needed, to ensure they were ready to start the work of serving their communities as Members of Parliament. 

Meanwhile, I returned to the day job and a backlog of work to catch up on, following my three weeks extended leave. Evidently, those in the company I work for, were at least very happy that I returned on July 8! I am of course incredibly grateful to my company too, for their support, their flexibility and for that fact I still had a job to go to on Monday morning! 

As I said on election night itself, I am incredibly proud of the work we have done so far. We have lived and campaigned by our core values of openness, equality, tolerance and most importantly, kindness.

The journey is far from over. My team and I will continue to work hard for the people of Romsey and Southampton North. Unlike Gareth Southgate, who has decided not to continue with his England manager role, whenever the next General Election comes around, (so long as the local party will have me,) I’ll be back! 

Geoff Cooper,
Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesperson for Romsey and Southampton North