I WAS never a Labour voter because of their manifesto contents or love of their leader, and I have been frustrated for a long time with national politics.

However, I have always been of the view that David Drew deserved my X on the ballot paper for all of the work that he did for the people of Stroud constituency over many years.

He was certainly a hard-working and very visual MP and Labour candidate in this area, often to be seen cycling around our area.

He was certainly well respected by all the people that I spoke with, and what is not in question is that he cared passionately about Stroud.

I think it is sad that he has now decided to give up politics and I hope that the people of Stroud get what they wanted and don’t live to regret not giving him the office as their MP for the next five years.

Only time will tell.

Graham Wright

Stonehouse