AS always, 2015 has rushed by far too quickly.

Politically, the highlight of the year for me was, of course, the election of a Conservative government for the first time in 23 years.

I am always conscious that locally, the result of the election did not represent the expressed wish of 44 per cent of the electorate but I was pleased to be returned to continue to represent all of Salisbury’s constituents for a second five-year term.

The overarching challenge facing the government remains securing a sound long-term platform for our economy, so that investment in public services, particularly the NHS and schools, can be protected.

Locally, after a five year battle, the future of a significant portion of the Public Health England assets at Porton Down was determined. This apparent blow has in fact given us an opportunity to think afresh about ways to unlock the full potential of the activities at Porton Down, including Porton Biopharma and the new science park and how they can contribute to the development of a new local industry based around lifesciences and innovation.

In Salisbury itself, I am concerned with keeping up the pressure for the resolution of outstanding issues affecting the delivery of long-planned infrastructure projects.

Of course, transport is a vital element in growing and sustaining the local economy, whether it be the A303 or our train services and this will remain top of my agenda.

It is pleasing to note that Salisbury ends the year with an unemployment rate of 0.8 per cent, one of the lowest in the country.

I would like to wish all Salisbury Journal readers a very happy Christmas. My thoughts will be with the families of the five individuals who were forced to move from Shapland Close at such short notice.