Among those cheering after David Drew’s dramatic comeback as Stroud MP was announced at Stratford Park Leisure Centre a fortnight ago was his daughter Esther. The SNJ asked Esther for her thoughts on her father’s election triumph and to write about life as an MP’s daughter. This is her article.

FIRST of all I would like to say a huge thank you to the incredible support for my dad and the family.

The events that unfolded on election night were an unexpected surprise not only because my dad was meant to be retired but also we weren’t expecting that result.

It was a long day and night but filled with joy as my dad and the campaigners came together as a family.

When it got down to crunch time we were all nervous as it was clearly very close, which lead to a bundle recount making the wait feel like forever.

When it was announced that dad had won the feeling of elation was magical.

There were huge cheers and tears of joy as we couldn’t really believe what was happening.

I had been at the count in 2010 and 2015 so I know what defeat felt like.

I remember getting really emotional not only because I felt my dad should have won but also for all the people who gave up so much of their time to help with the election campaign.

It’s incredibly upsetting to not get the result we wanted.

This election campaign was slightly different, being a snap election but yet again everyone came together whatever the weather knocking on people’s doors and leafleting.

Dad would be out for hours on end, rarely getting a rest, but he doesn’t do things by halves!

For me there was the added buzz of all the young people who are so interested in politics.

As a 24 year old, I’ve had my ups and downs with politics.

I was so young in 1997 when dad first got elected and going through school with a dad as an MP sometimes got me unwanted attention.

However now I’m older I feel completely different and I like many other young people enjoy having a voice.

Now of course we have the era of social media it’s very different and although you see some negative comments it’s important not to take them personally.

However the kind and moving words from people all over the constituency more than make up for it.

It’s amazing to see the respect my dad has gained from all the political party’s over the years.

I am very excited for the next chapter and I am so happy to see my dad doing what he’s most passionate about which is helping people and standing up for what he believes in.

We are all immensely proud and although it brings a lot of pressure to the whole family we know dad is in the right place.

Thanks again for the support and thank you too to the SNJ for the opportunity to voice my experiences.

  • A former Maidenhill School student, Esther is currently studying criminology at Sheffield Hallam University.