This past year has shown politics can be exciting and that change is possible.

Both locally and nationally we have seen that if people come together, the Government can be confronted, when appropriate, and be persuaded to change course. People power can make a real difference.

In 2006 the world woke up to global warming. Public pressure led by David Cameron forced the Government to announce a Climate Change Bill in the Queen's speech. In 2007 we must do much more to persuade everyone to do their bit to protect the planet.

Looking back on local events last year, for me it was characterised by standing up for the interests of rural areas all too often under pressure from central government. Next year, I will continue to stand up to the Government when I believe it is wrong. I look forward to joining you all in the fight to save our community hospitals and rural Post Offices.

Over the New Year, I encourage all to make a resolution to lend a helping hand to those less fortunate than ourselves. It is a good time to offer a neighbourly arm to those who have no family, are ill or working abroad.

I am spending Christmas and New Year with my family. Hopefully recovered from Christmas, New Year provides a great opportunity for us all to shake off the cobwebs, enjoy the magnificent scenery that surrounds us here in Shropshire and look forward to the year ahead.