I started election day feeling optimistic. We had run a good campaign and our vote had appeared to be holding up. Towards the end of the day I was beginning to fear that there had been a number of last-minute conversions. I still do not know what happened to cause that but sadly, I was right and I lost. This was the first time I have failed anything in my life and I am not a good loser so it was a real test of character to be graceful in defeat. People tell me I succeeded. I couldn’t believe I was coping with it all so well and then it started. An absolute deluge of e-mail, texts, calls  and cards from people who were also upset by the result and wishing me well. That was when it became difficult because over ten years as an MP you learn to steel yourself and develop a thick skin because people are often publicly horrible. You forget how to cope with a deluge of kindness. My immediate priorities are my staff. People always forget that there are other victims of an electoral defeat. I have to make sure they are OK and work out how to deal with the mountain of outstanding casework. In theory it is someone else’s problem now but I can’t just leave people hanging if they have a problem. I was never one of those locums who are out the door on the dot – no matter what! So, amongst all of this I have to find some time to think about my personal future. I had decided that I would not stand again if re-elected but that decision did not take into account the possibility of a finely balanced parliament and another election sooner, rather than later. But, I still need to find a job. Over the past ten years I have learnt a lot and developed many new skills. How I use those in the future remains to be seen but I hope that pharmacy is part of the picture. This is not the end – it is part of a new beginning.