Brenda Dacres

As polls close this afternoon, I wanted to get in touch to say thank you.

Thank you to all the members who have been part of this positive and energetic contest. I know you have been subject to a large number of leaflets, letters, texts, calls, novellas. As part of this contest I have spoken to hundreds of members who are passionate about our community and our politics – I want to thank you for taking the time to engage in this race and sharing your ideas about what you’d like your Labour Mayor to be doing in Lewisham

Thank you to all the other candidates. It has been a positive and comradely contest. This has been an incredible experience for all of us.

Thank you to all of those who volunteered, whether for my campaign, or another, thank you. Your participation, passion and drive is key to what makes this party great.

I think this party is stronger for this contest. It shows the energy within our Labour Party to take on the Tories and their vicious austerity. It shows our movement is buzzing with ideas about how to transform our community.

Whoever wins, I know that all of us will get behind our candidate. We know that what unites us is greater than what divides us.