I AM delighted to be back writing this column for the Penarth Times, having been re-elected as the MP for Cardiff South and Penarth on May 7 - I am honoured that voters have placed their trust in me again.

I am proud to represent such a wonderfully diverse constituency, stretching from Sully, Penarth and Llandough through Grangetown, Butetown and Splott, and right across to Rumney, Llanrumney and St Mellons in the east of Cardiff.

This diversity is something to be celebrated, and I’m delighted that the majority of those who voted locally last week agreed, and rejected the politics of fear and division being peddled by some people in the area in the run-up to the election.

All our communities have their individual strengths – the key is to involve and engage as many people from within and across these as possible, so that tolerance, understanding and respect within society are enhanced. We must not allow people to create division and alienation by spreading rumour and untruths, and this is particularly the case in a constituency as diverse as Cardiff South and Penarth.

Over the next five years, I’ll be continuing my work on this – and of course working hard to represent all constituents. With nearly 80,000 (the most in a Welsh constituency), it is challenging, but I will continue to do my utmost to support people right across the area.

If you have a problem, I will do my very best to help – and this applies to all, whether you voted for me, for another candidate, or indeed didn’t vote at all.

I’ll be setting up my next round of surgeries as soon as possible (watch this space) and of course if you need assistance with something, or would like to know my views on an issue of local or national policy, just get in touch with me directly or via my office in the Bay.

The country as a whole will face huge challenges over the next five years, with debate and decision on two of the greatest questions for our country for a generation - our relationship with Europe, and whether we even stay together as the UK; and also what are certain to be further brutal cuts to come.

I fear the impact these cuts will have on the most vulnerable in our communities, including here in Penarth where increasing numbers have to use food banks just to get by. Please rest assured that should you need assistance, you only have to ask. I cannot solve every problem, but I will do my very best to help.