However, following last Thursday’s election, most of all I’d like to thank everyone who voted, especially those of you who voted SNP.

I was elected to serve all of the people of Dunfermline irrespective of how they voted and, over the next five years, that’s what I intend to do to the very best of my ability.

I would also like to give a sincere and heartfelt thank you to all my campaign team activists, helpers and supporters.

I cannot remember us having such a huge, dedicated and committed team of campaigners on the ground and here are some of their achievements: People who voted SNP – 28,096 (up 39.64 per cent on the 2010 election).

28,096 represents more than 50 per cent of everyone who voted on Thursday.

Turnout increased from 66 per cent in 2010 to 71.26 per cent at this election.

I’m humbled to have won over 50 per cent of the vote, making Dunfermline and West Fife one of the SNP’s 10 strongest performances of the night.

I would also like to pay tribute to Thomas Docherty, who represented the constituency for the last five years and I thank him for his words of encouragement as I take on this role.

In electing a new MP for the constituency, we all have an opportunity to think about a new politics and how we can do things better. A politics where people feel that their MP is there, not to be self-serving, but to serve every citizen. I will do my very best to ensure that your views are listened to and reflected in how I vote and conduct the debate both at Westminster and here in the constituency.

I may not always get it right, but irrespective of how you voted, I need to assure you I will always work hard for you and your family and in the best interests of this constituency, across all communities.

This week I have already made a vigorous start. I have written to the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change to seek a meeting to discuss the future of Lonagannet power station. I gave a commitment to employees there that this would be my first act if elected as your MP and the letter was sent from the House of Commons on Monday.

Concerns about Rosyth Dockyard workers losing their contracts to those prepared to work for lower wages was raised with me over the weekend. I plan to meet with Babcock and the dockyard trade unions at the earliest opportunity to examine this closely. I have also sought re-assurances from the Ministry of Defence around what employment safeguards were written into the multi-billion pound aircraft carrier contracts, signed off by Gordon Brown.

Halfway though the election campaign, I had some success with the education spokesperson in Fife recognising that we do need new schools at St Columba’s, Woodmill and Inverkeithing high school sites. I have contacted him again this week to progress talks and see where we can work together to deliver these exciting proposals and enhance the learning opportunities for young people across the constituency.

This is only the start and I know there’s a big job to do. Let’s get on with it.