Although I am obviously disappointed not to have secured enough support to become the next MP for Eltham, I am delighted that David Cameron is now Prime Minister and that he has demonstrated a maturity that has often been lacking in politics by working with former opponents to form a progressive government.

This is a new era for Britain.  There will be many significant challenges and tough times ahead, but I firmly believe that David and his new Cabinet will show courage and leadership in the days ahead.

As for my own future, I would like to thank the many people who have sent kind messages and have asked me to stand again.  I continue to live in Eltham and look forward to enjoying all that our local area has to offer.  As for the future, watch this space!

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.

The official opening of the butterfly park at the Tarn was an opportunity to meet up with some old friends and to meet new ones.  It was also a splendid opportunity to see the great work undertaken by so many volunteers, including local Conservative Party activists.  I was also pleased to see some wild fowl on the lake after the terrible tragedy of last year.

This very prominent poster site on a major intersection close to both the Conservative and Labour campaign centres seems to have collapsed over the weekend.  Could it be a sign of things to come later this week?

Friends of Avery Hill Park continue to protest about the poor treatment of the current cafe operator, who is being forced out and put on the dole by Greenwich Council.  Despite his dedication to the users of the park, providing a friendly service every day of the year except Christmas Day, no matter what the weather, he has been treated terribly.  

So Gordon Brown has arrived in Coldharbour - and brought torrential rain with him.  It sort of says it all, really.  From the number of phone calls I have had from local residents it seems the general view is one of surprise that the Labour candidate thinks this is going to help him win the election.  We'll see.  But one thing's for sure - if you need to call on one of the most unpopular Prime Ministers in living memory to come and endorse your campaign, it's pretty desperate.

Mr Brown was asking the officers about their work - they say evenings are the worst for anti-social behaviour and agree strongly that giving kids more to do would make a difference.  Which begs the question why Labour's MP and local authority has done so little to provide those activities.

The comments of the Prime Minister speak for themselves, but I think they raise a very important issue in this election.  Everywhere I go in this constituency I am asked what the Conservatives will do about immigration.  Very rarely does a voter mention race, creed, colour, or country of origin.  All people are concerned about is the numbers of people settling in the UK, many of whom do not have work or the means to support their families.  

Locally, our public services are at breaking point.  The NHS is already struggling yet services are being slashed, nurses are being ordered to re-apply for their jobs and those who seek to expose the situation feel threatened.  Our schools are not providing the level of education children deserve and parents are entitled to expect.  The numbers of unemployed, the crisis of housing waiting lists and the growth in real poverty are shocking.  Yet Labour has continued to allow unlimited immigration.

My fear is that unless we get a grip - fast - the fairness and tolerance for which this country and this community are rightly known, will be strained.  Most local people are anything but bigots.  They are under enormous strain, and doing the 'right thing' seems to have been little benefit to them.  When Mr Brown speaks charmingly to a (life-long Labour voting) resident about her concerns in front of the camera, and then describes her as a bigot in private, he insults many residents in this constituency too.  The views that lady expressed could have been said by any one of the thousands of local residents I have met recently in Eltham.  Are they all bigots for daring to suggest immigration is out of control?  Of course not.  They are simply anxious for their future and the future of their children and grand-children.  
The Conservatives would put an annual cap on immigration, we will tackle illegal immigration, we will enforce a strict points system and we will create a Border Police Force.  We need a system that's fair to those wanting to come to Britain, and one that's fair to the hard working majority who pay taxes and will help to rebuild our economy.  They're not bigots, they're exhausted, frightened and fed up with being taken for granted.  That's why we need change on 6th May.

The Shadow Secretary of State for Transport, Theresa Villiers, joined me and my team visiting residents in Eltham West ward this afternoon.  Among the many issues raised was the subject of uncontrolled immigration, and cuts to local NHS services.

The proprieter of the Tudor Barn, Marcus Luck, gave the Shadow Secretary of State a brief tour of the historic Barn.