STEVE GILBERT LEADS THANKS FOR RETIRING MP MATTHEW TAYLOR

9.22.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 12th Apr 2010

Steve Gilbert and Matthew Taylor

On the day that Parliament has been formally dissolved, Steve Gilbert has led the thanks for St Austell's retiring MP Matthew Taylor.

Steve Gilbert said:

"On behalf of the whole community I want to say a huge thank you to Matthew for the hard work he has done as our MP over the last 23 years.

"Matthew took on the role of our MP in difficult circumstances and has truly won the affection of the people he represents.

"When I'm out speaking to people in St Austell and the villages in the heart of the constituency people tell me that if I can be half as good as Matthew, then I'll still be twice as good as the rest of them.

"We all know someone who has been helped by Matthew and he's been a tireless campaigner for a fairer deal for Cornwall. I know he will be missed by many.

"I have to say that following in the footsteps of Matthew Taylor and David Penhaligon is a daunting prospect. The bar in this seat has been set very high indeed.

"We all wish Matthew, Vicky, Arthur and Jacob great happiness, health and success in the next steps that the family take."