This has been a very long campaign and one which has demanded a lot from us all. Despite the ups and downs that we have all faced I have enjoyed campaigning immensely. Getting out and meeting people across London, from the east end to the west end and from north to south has filled my days for nearly eight months now.
Throughout the eight months I have been heartened by the commitment of the people who have supported me through the selection and as the Labour candidate for Mayor of London.
Nearly every day has highlighted the contrasts between London's rich and poor neighbourhoods. I hope that the new Mayor will harness the great opportunity they have in tackling this gross inequality and put their heart and soul into reversing the ever-growing gap between rich and poor.
Without Tony Blair the people of London would not have had the historic opportunity to choose Ken as its first ever elected Mayor. I feel confident that the Assembly will work together constructively for London and congratulate the excellent new members of the Assembly whom I know will play a vital role in this exciting new London politics.
