North West Leicestershire Conservative candidate Craig Smith issued a statement after his narrow election defeat last week.

He speaks of a 'disappointing' result which saw him lose out to Labour's Amanda Hack by just over 1,000 votes in a close-run contest. He says the Conservative Party has lost support across the country and needs to rebuild trust.

But the Whitwick-based county councillor also insists the landslide Labour majority 'will concern many' and that Sir Keir Starmer's party must be held accountable while in office.

Mr Smith's statement is below in full.

He said: I'd like to begin by expressing my sincere thanks to the returning officer, the police, my agent, and all the staff who have ensured a free and fair election here in North West Leicestershire. I also want to thank everyone who participated in the electoral process by casting their vote.

Additionally, I want to publicly congratulate Amanda Hack on becoming our new MP, for too long we have not had proper representation here and I am intrigued to see what she can bring to the table. I will happily work with her as one of the County Councillors for the betterment of our residents. I sincerely hope she upholds her promises and prioritises our constituency over party politics.

I genuinely wish our new MP all the best, and I hope the new Labour government serves the British people well. However, the unprecedented size of Labour's majority will concern many, particularly those who supported other parties. It's crucial that we, as the electorate, hold them accountable in the days ahead.

This result is not what I had hoped for, and it is a deeply disappointing outcome for my dedicated team of volunteers who put so much effort into my campaign. I was fortunate to have an incredible group of people around me, and for that, I am profoundly grateful. I want to pay a heartfelt tribute to everyone who helped and those who gave up their time.

Reflecting this morning is obviously very tough. It's clear the Conservative Party has lost the support of millions of people across the country. We need to start rebuilding that trust by listening to the concerns of all those voters that turned away from us to Reform, which is something I intend to dedicate myself to in any role where the Conservative party believes I can add value.

Despite our setbacks, millions of people across the country did vote Conservative on Thursday, including thousands locally here in North West Leicestershire.

I'm grateful to everyone who put a cross beside my name. Although I won't be your representative in Parliament this time, my fight for you isn't over. I am still the County Councillor for Coalville North, a role I love and will continue to devote my heart and soul to. I will also advocate for the whole of North West Leicestershire, as I have built up so many new relationships that I want to further develop. 

We still have a job to do, and I will continue to hold Labour accountable on behalf of ordinary people here in North West Leicestershire who share my local values and priorities.

I want to reassure people across North West Leicestershire that you have not seen the last of Craig Smith. I will always fight to make our home a better place.