Challenges ahead for new Sherwood MP

The new Conservative MP for Sherwood, Mr Mark Spencer, said he would have a cup of tea and a sleep before he rolled up his sleeves to start working for the people of Sherwood.

Mr Spencer said it would take him a couple of weeks to find his feet but he urged any members of the public who needed his help to contact him.

He said: "I'm there to help you."

He said the former MP Mr Padding Tipping, who has retired, had left big boots to fill.

"We disagree politically on many things but nobody could claim he didn't care about the area. I shall do my best," said Mr Spencer.

He said he faced enormous challenges and his priorities included tackling unemployment, looking at the number and location of housing developments, and the safety of the A614.

"I don't see me sitting there twiddling my thumbs. I will be flat out 25 hours a day but I'm up for the fight and am keen to crack on," he said.

Mr Spencer said the trauma of the count was horrendous but he was lucky he finished on top.

He said he felt completely humbled that so many people put their confidence in him and that it was an enormous honour to be an MP.

Mr Spencer said he had received so much support from so many people including his family, the Conservative party and the public.

He said the Labour candidate Miss Emilie Oldknow had pushed the Conservatives to the limit.

"You cannot doubt that she cared about this area and I'm delighted to have won but sorry to have beaten someone as pleasant as Emilie," he said.