Yesterday afternoon I was privileged to deliver my maiden speech in Parliament.

The speech is an opportunity to set out personal values and goals, and to acknowledge those closest to you.

I was extremely fortunate to have many family and friends present to share the occasion.

By any measure, the tie I am wearing is a fashion crime, but it is a uniform issue tie that the ministerial chauffeurs wore in the 1980s. It seemed appropriate.

Click here for a transcript of my speech.