Sir, – I would like to thank everyone who voted for me in both the Thirsk and Malton general election and local district council elections last week.

Your support is hugely appreciated and although the Liberal Democrat vote at the general election was disappointing personally, I was delighted to be returned to my Ryedale District Council seat.

I fought a determined, truthful and honest campaign based on my local track record which many people appreciated.

The general election was sadly nothing short of disastrous for the Liberal Democrats and we have lost some fantastic and incredibly longstanding and hard-working MPs who have made a massive contribution to both the party and the country over many years.

I have no doubt that the Liberal Democrats will re-group and rebuild our Party and will continue to fight for a fairer society in the UK. Already as I write more than 6,500 people have joined us since the polls closed on Thursday and we will continue to grow.

I have been pleased to receive many offers of help locally and please do get in touch if you would like to help build the Liberal Democrat presence in Thirsk and Malton.

Cllr DI KEAL

Ryedale DC member for Norton West

Norton town councillor