I WRITE to thank the voters of the Thirsk and Malton constituency for their support in the General Election. I really appreciate the many people who looked at the issues, policies, and the person standing to make a positive choice to vote Liberal Democrat.

The result for the Liberal Democrats was disappointing, but we firmly believe that we offer a valid and valuable alternative to Labour and the Tories. We campaigned on a credible, costed and achievable manifesto, as well as my own track record of constantly working for local people.

Having warned of a coalition of chaos, Theresa May has now formed one of her own, leaving her much diminished government clutching at straws and attempting to cling on to power by making a deal with the DUP.

The coming months will be critical for the UK, and already we are particularly seeing younger voters betrayed by Labour, which under Jeremy Corbyn is walking hand in hand with the Tories out of Europe, which will leave us all out of pocket and some of us out of work.

Over the past two years the Liberal Democrats have more than tripled our membership in Thirsk and Malton. I have no doubt that we will continue to grow as we continue to demonstrate our commitment to the community and deliver for local people.

Di Keal, Lib Dem candidate, Thirsk and Malton