"It has been the very good fortune of mine to have had the privilege of representing the people and communities of Tweeddale, Ettrick & Lauderdale in the Scottish Parliament. I am sorry that I will not have the opportunity to serve the new constituency of Midlothian South, Tweeddale & Lauderdale. I wish my successor the very best as she carries out her duties.

I am very sorry for the trauma I have inflicted upon my poor parents in the three counts that I have been a candidate. As I travelled the Borders and Midlothian today meeting friendly, kind and caring people I do not have once of sadness this evening as the last eight years have been a gift to me. So while I apologise to my mum and dad, I thank the many supporters and enthusiastic helpers, led by my agent David McDonald, and who have worked so hard for me. I cannot adequately express this evening my appreciation for all that they have done.

This week Jim Wallace, Alan Beith and David Steel joined me in the Borders and Penicuik. They are the politicians that had inspired me from a young age not just for their politics but how they conducted their politics. I am proud to now be able to count them among my friends. I am a proud Liberal. And even on this very tough night for the party I am pleased that we almost retained our share of the support and I am therefore very grateful for all those who continued to put their faith in me.

But what has also inspired are the young people who had chosen to support me in this campaign. They have joined me, worked hard and inspired me. perhaps a young Liberal may be seeing this contest here and think that while I was not successful, they will be."

Friday 6 May 2011

As a result of the Scottish Parliament elections on May 5th Jeremy Purvis is no longer an MSP. For information on the MSPs elected in your area please visit the Scottish Parliament website. Any personal communication can be sent to jeremy@jeremypurvis.org