THIS is a simple thank you to all the readers who voted Liberal Democrat in the recent European elections.

Over the past five years I have been a sometimes controversial and outspoken MEP, rarely short of critics in these columns. It feels good to have been given such a strong endorsement by those who support me and to be told to 'get on with the job'.

The elections were a triumph for the Liberal Democrats in our region. While the Tories lost two MEPs and Labour one, we saw our numbers double.

I have now been joined by Sajjad Karim, the senior partner in a very successful firm of solicitors who becomes my party's first non-white elected parliamentarian. As one of the North West's nine MEPs he will help ensure fair representation of all people in the region, including those of Asian descent and Muslim faith.

I have been surprised by the attention paid to UKIP.

This most anti-European party only won one seat in the North West.

Chris Davies, Liberal Democrat MEP for the North West.