The campaign to increase Labour support in the South East was always going to be an uphill battle as the Tory-party money machine, backed up by vast sums from Lord Ashcroft, flooded swathes of the South East with posters, leaflets and activists in order to win what they consider to be their seats by right.

I and my team were active across the region and got a warm reception in all the Labour-held constituencies we visited. A constant theme throughout the campaign was the energy and commitment displayed by Labour representatives and activists from across the South East: their drive and determination to get out the vote on behalf of ensuring a fairer Britain was a constant source of inspiration for me.

Although there were numerous disappointments on election night, no-one could accuse former MPs like Michael Foster, Jonathan Shaw and Paul Clark of not defending their slim majorities. Their loss from Parliament will surely be felt.

There were a number of Labour MPs who were returned successfully. When I went on the campaign trail in Slough with Fiona MacTaggart (pictured, second from left) it was clear that the community was well-behind their local Labour candidate, her re-election is testament to the hard work she and her staff have put in during her time as MP.

I was also privileged to be able to help out Andrew Smith in Oxford East who was returned as MP for the area.

Credit must also go to John Denham and Alan Whitehead and their election teams for all their hard work in ensuring that Southampton has two Labour MPs! There are those who think the South East is a Tory zone; thanks to the work of numerous committed Labour activists and representatives that is not the case!

My commiserations to all those hard-working Labour MPs who unfortunately lost their seats. With the election of a new leader in September the Labour Party in the South East will begin the re-building process that I am sure will result in much less blue and much more red come the time of the next election.