Mardi, my dearest friend, who joined the party in sister solidarity; Catherine, who has been with me through thick and thin; and to Coco, Ali, Riz, and Stephanie, thank you for being here with me tonight. To Rick Barker and Kevin Atkinson, thank you for your mentorship, and for all your time you have given me, no matter what hour, day, or night. To the honourable Labour MPs, Andrew Little, David Parker, and especially Stuart, along with Dame Annette King—thank you for your support, help, and guidance over these years. To Damon, your hands always rest gently on my shoulders: calm, reasoned, and strong. You have seen me at my best, and at my most vulnerable. You have also put up with a lot, but not once have you ever suggested for me to walk away from this—giving up has never been an option. But who then, in the middle of it all, decided that along with standing as a second-term Hastings district councillor, he would also run for the mayoralty. Out came all the billboards again, and away we went. But it wasn't to be. 