Thread by @GuyOpperman

Gutted ... + sat on the 8pm to #Hexham with an🍺 but a thread ⬇️ on:
- @michaelgove + the wonderful team of #MPs, staffers/volunteers who supported #TeamGove
- the @Conservatives positives I take from the last few weeks
+ my hopes + aspiration for future of this gt country 1/

Firstly my congratulations to @Jeremy_Hunt + @BorisJohnson + good luck for the month ahead of hustings/ scrutiny nationwide + on the media.
Hoping we have a robust but positive contest, showing off the best in @Conservatives #ideas, #aspirations + #values #ToryLeadership 2/

A pleasure to help @michaelgove
- the best minister since 2010 in @Conservatives govt
- best debater in @HouseofCommons + feared by #Corbyn + co
- with great policy ideas for the future
+ a track record of investing in #Hexham schools 3/

I worked in harness with the legend that is my good friend @MelJStride + dozens of #MPs from all constituencies, backgrounds, beliefs. The team spirit + the way we approached this task was phenomenal. Too many to name but you all know who you are:
#Anhonourtoservewithyouall 4/

Along the way volunteers, staffers, friends, families + @Conservatives from all over #UK supported #MichaelGove + added to the team.
Quite simply - a massive thank you.
It was not to be.
1 of 2 #MPs will now take on the serious task ahead: we all wish our new #PM God speed. 5/

But I remain optimistic:
- this campaign has seen new #MP stars emerge like @RoryStewartUK + @sajidjavid
- @Conservatives are proud of Saj’s video story
Showing it matters not where you are from, your colour or creed 6/

And we are having a robust debate on the complexities facing the country + discussing policies #BeyondBrexit ... which are being debated
- not just in @HouseofCommons
- but up + down the country in future hustings
- and also on our media and in our pubs over an 🍺 7/

I spent a lot of time over last 10 days with the amazing @BethRigby @bbclaurak @BBCVickiYoung who were all totally impartial, but passionately interested commentators + allowed #MP friends like @Simon4NDorset + I to debate the process 8/

I urge all
- @Conservatives to get involved in the weeks of hustings (see below) starting in #Birmingham on Saturday
- and constituents up + down #UK to engage in the several media events / debates as we address these serious issues that lie ahead. 9/

Why? Because this matters
- We are choosing a #PM for @10DowningStreet
- at a time of real division+ issues before us
+cheap politics from any party does not help the #UK
But ... we can do this:
I have faith in this country, our people + that
#Betterdayscanlieahead
10/ ENDS