FOLLOWING the General Election result, I would like to thank everybody in Worcester who voted for me.

That there were not enough to secure victory was a great disappointment, of course, but "the people have spoken", and I reiterate the congratulations I expressed to Mike Foster at the count.

I'm sure he'll share my concern at the low turnout in Worcester, as elsewhere.

It's clear from the thousands of people I spoke to that dissatisfaction with both major parties and apathy were telling factors.

However, he got the nod from Worcester's electorate so I say, again, well done.

An instruction to deliver has been sought and received by the new Labour Government so Worcester and the country awaits the commitment being honoured. The excuses cupboard is now bare.

As a backbencher whose Government has a large majority, Mike Foster's well-placed to give emphasis to Worcester's needs, even if it mean rocking the party line boat sometimes. I hope he now does so when necessary.

In conclusion, may I pay public tribute to the hard-working members of Worcester Conservative Association and other loyal supporters who worked tirelessly for me before and during the campaign. I thank them.

RICHARD ADAMS,

Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Worcester, General Election 2001.