THE whole nation is in shock at the referendum result, and I have received an incredible volume of correspondence from constituents of all shades of opinion – unsurprisingly, already on track to be my largest postbag on any issue.

I am therefore placed in a difficult situation, particularly given the small margin – the local result mirroring the national result of 52/48.

I personally felt, reluctantly, that we would be better off remaining, even though the institutions and political accountability of the EU are sorely lacking at times. I simply did not feel that it was worth gambling the economic advantages that the single market provides for cuts to immigration that may, in time, not prove deliverable or even economically desirable.

Consequently, I now have to accept that 52 per cent of the constituency (and the nation) took a view at odds with my own. As I see it, a verdict has been delivered. It is not one that everybody wanted, but I take the view that the vote must be respected and acted upon.

I am acutely aware of the anger and acute disappointment of 48 per cent of my constituents but the result must stand – no second referendum is possible at this time.

The suggestion of some that we somehow set aside the result would be an act of political contempt and would, I believe, only serve to fuel the criticisms that are often levelled at Westminster politicians.

I have never been unduly preoccupied with Europe. I believe in public service and that politics is the most powerful force for spreading social mobility. I do not want to see this result derail the day-to-day business of government longer than necessary. I expect a new Conservative Party leader and therefore Prime Minister to be chosen by September 2.