'My absolute honour being city's first female MP'

Pam Cox has become the first Labour MP for Colchester since 1945

A newly-elected politician said it was an "absolute honour and privilege" to become a city's first female MP.

Pam Cox was elected as MP for Colchester on Thursday having secured more than 18,000 votes.

She became the party's first successful candidate in the seat since 1945, fighting off competition from former Olympic Gold medallist and Conservative hopeful James Cracknell.

"It's a huge honour to be elected and I'm hugely grateful to the people of Colchester for putting their trust in me," Ms Cox said.

She told the BBC it was time to "get cracking" on improving the city's high street, tackling hospital waiting times and improving education provision.

Ms Cox succeeded former Conservative health minister Will Quince

Ms Cox's victory in Colchester meant she was one of 19 women MPs to be elected in the East of England when voters went to the polls on Thursday.

The increased female representation was a theme reflected nationally, with women making up 40% of the new-look Parliament - a rise from the pre-election total of 35%.

"It's incredibly important to be the first woman MP for Colchester," Ms Cox said.

"It's a huge honour and it's very important that Parliament is representative and that women are there in equal numbers."

'Incredibly excited'

The new MP succeeded former Conservative health minister Will Quince, who announced in June 2023 he would stand down to spend more time with his family.

The Colchester seat has not proved to be a safe one for any party, with Liberal Democrat Sir Bob Russell holding it before Mr Quince.

Ms Cox said she was "incredibly excited" to have her turn in the hotseat.

"If you’d said to me four years ago - three years ago - this would be happening, I would never have believed you," she added.

"It’s an absolute honour and privilege."