NEWLY elected Conservative MP for Thornbury and Yate Luke Hall has promised to lead the campaign to scrap the green bin tax.

Following a shock win in last week’s election, overturning a 7,000 vote majority to win by more than 1,000, he said that the tax “sent the wrong signal to residents”.

After winning a majority of the seats on South Gloucestershire Council, Conservative council leader, Matthew Riddle said the party would “work hard to phase out the green bin tax”.

“I have been leading the campaign to scrap the Lib Dem bin tax since it was first introduced and I am delighted to see plans for its removal.

“Over 6,000 residents signed the petition to have the bin tax scrapped. This was always a tax on families that discouraged recycling and sent the wrong signal to residents who have worked so hard to improve recycling rates in our local area.”

Following a long election campaign the tension on election night was palpable. Not many people had expected Mr Hall to win but an exit poll seemed to indicate that a shock could be on the cards.

In the end he won with 19,924 votes – almost 1,500 more than Steve Webb.

He added: “I am extremely grateful for the trust that has been placed in me to represent our local area.

“It is a privilege to be elected to parliament and as a local man who was born and brought up in the area, representing my home constituency is an even greater honour.

“I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to my predecessor; Steve Webb, who worked hard for our area over the last 18 years. I have big shoes to fill.

“I am extremely grateful for the trust that has been placed in me, and I will work tirelessly to represent our area both nationally and locally.”