It has been a gruelling month on the campaign trail, not only for us candidates but also the many volunteers who willingly give up their time to support us and take the message to doorsteps across the constituency. I'd like to pay tribute not only to those on my own team but everyone from all parties who has helped to ensure this has been a very energetic and hard fought contest.  I doubt the people of Eltham have ever received so much political literature through their letter boxes - and they may be grateful if we receive a convincing result tonight and avoid a second election later this year!

To that end, I hope everyone will vote today and use their democratic right to say who makes the decisions on their behalf in Parliament and at the Town Hall.  Naturally, I hope people will lend their support to me and my Conservative colleagues because I believe we offer the change this country and our community so desperately needs.  I and my colleagues standing for Greenwich Council have the energy, enthusiasm, commitment and the passion to make this an even betetr place to live and to work.  As local residents we care about this community because it is our community too.

If we are elected today, we will begin the work that is needed tomorrow.  It's time to restore people's faith in politics and the political system.  Let's make a clean start today.