BASINGSTOKE'S first ever Labour MP, Luke Murphy, has promised to be "the most accessible and visible" MP that the constituency has ever had.

In his first interview with the Gazette as MP for Basingstoke, Mr Murphy explained how he wishes to gain the trust of residents.

Speaking after his victory was announced in the early hours of Friday, July 5, he said: "I'm absolutely thrilled that the people of Basingstoke have put their trust in me and elected me for the first ever Labour MP for Basingstoke.

"I'm so grateful to everyone who gave me their support.

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"But I'm also really clear that I will be an MP for the whole of Basingstoke so whether you voted for me or you didn't I will work to earn your trust and deliver on your priorities and deliver for Basingstoke."

Mr Murphy pledged to be accessible to residents. He said: "They [residents of Basingstoke] can expect to have the most accessible and visible Member of Parliament that Basingstoke has ever had.

"I will be working incredibly hard from day one representing residents, being out in the community, and crucially, under what looks like will be a majority Labour government, delivering for Basingstoke under that government on our priorities.

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"Whether it's getting the local NHS back on its feet, breathing new life into the Top of Town, or securing the jobs of the future and growing our local economy."

Speaking about his election rival, Maria Miller, who had spent the last 19 years as the Conservative MP for Basingstoke, Mr Murphy recognised her achievements but vowed to deliver "change".

He said: "I pay tribute to the work of Maria over the last 19 years.

"It's always a noble thing to put yourself forward as a parliamentary candidate and I know that the loss will be difficult but I pay tribute to her 19 years but we are now turning a page.

"It's really clear that Basingstoke has voted for change and now I'm going to be getting on with delivering for the people of Basingstoke."