Redcar'S outgoing MP, Mo Mowlam, paid tribute to the people of the area who have supported her during her years as the town's MP.
She told The Clarion: "I would like to thank all the people in Redcar who have voted for me - and those that haven't - who have made my 14 years in Parliament a very happy time.
"I am very pleased to have been Member of Parliament for Redcar and I will miss them more than anything.
"I am not leaving Redcar so people are sure to see me around. I would wish my successor in Redcar all the best for the future."
Regarding her own future, while there are rumours about a high-profile post with the United Nations, Dr Mowlam is adamant she is going to take her time.
"I am not taking a gap year like the students do, I am taking a gap week," she said. "Then I want to raise money in America for a project for integrated education in Northern Ireland."
Dr Mowlam is also passionate about another project inspired by a friend in Redcar. She wants to set up a holiday centre for disabled youngsters where ex-drug addicts help out as a way of returning to community life.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article