DAMIAN Hinds has retained his East Hampshire seat, polling 63.6 per cent of the vote in the highest turnout the district has seen in a General Election since 1997.

Commenting on the results of the election, Mr Hinds said: “Clearly the national result was not the one I was working for, and not what most people in East Hampshire wanted for our country. The Conservative party did get the greatest number of both votes and seats, and at 42.4 per cent, the highest vote share for our party since 1983.

“But a pro-Corbyn surge in places like Brighton and Canterbury and Reading, as well as Labour resilience in the Midlands and north, prevented a majority in Parliament. Of course, we have to reflect on our campaign and draw important lessons for the future. We must look afresh at our messages, our campaigning techniques, and use of social media.

“All democracy is about listening. We have to listen, and respond, to what people were saying in how they ultimately voted. And we need to ensure that we are always actively listening to people’s concerns.”

He continued: “A lot of progress has been made since the crash of 2007/08 and the change of government in 2010. We were the second fastest-growing among the major advanced economies last year. Unemployment has come down to levels last seen in the mid 1970s. Through the national living wage, we recently saw the biggest annual increase in pay for the lowest paid in our society since the data series began (which was in 1997). Average household incomes are at a record level and inequality is down. Because of a strong economy, there is more money than ever before going into schools and our NHS. This all comes with difficult decisions and having a responsible approach to the public finances. But in this election, for some a belief took hold that this progress would not be at risk under a government with a very different approach to economics.

“While it is easy to fill a manifesto with policies that a lot of people will find, of themselves, popular, it is another thing altogether to pay for them. Funding giveaways by heavier taxation on businesses affects investment, jobs and pensions. The big question is not if firms would actually leave the UK, it is where they will make their next investment. As we leave the EU, keeping Britain highly competitive internationally is even more at a premium. We need to communicate the importance of this clearly.

“It will take time to understand fully the motivating factors for different people at this election. Politicians need to make sure we do understand what were the key issues; both for people overall and for different groups in society.”

On the young people’s vote, he said: “It is very welcome that younger people came out to vote in greater numbers this election. Young people today do face a very different outlook than their parents and grandparents’ generations. Many more have the benefit of a university degree but cover their own fees (albeit through a progressive student finance system with payments only on incomes over £21,000). They cannot look forward to a final salary pension.

“And, especially in costly areas like ours, the aspiration of home ownership can appear out of reach. We need to heighten our focus on key positive policies to help younger people, such as on apprenticeships, where you earn as you learn; and on bringing home ownership into reach for more people, sooner.

“Fundamentally, of course, it is only with a strong economy and an investment-attracting approach that you can fund excellent public services, and get the jobs growth we have seen since 2010. This is important for everyone, young and old.”

He continued: “The Prime Minister now forms a government. I am delighted to have the opportunity to continue my work as Minister for Employment. As we embark on the negotiations to leave the EU, it is more important than ever that we have focus and unity of purpose. There are challenging times ahead, but it is up to everyone in politics – all parties, and all individuals – to act with responsibility and in the national interest.”

And Mr Hinds concluded: “It is the greatest honour to represent our area in Parliament. I will strive to live up to the trust that people have put in me. I am here to work for everyone locally, regardless of their politics, and I will strive always to be a strong voice for East Hampshire.”