It is great to be back writing my column for the Wandsworth Guardian after being re-elected as the MP for Tooting for a third time.

I would like to thank the people of Tooting for placing their confidence in me again, and thank all of the other candidates who worked so hard and all the volunteers that helped them.

Whether you voted for me or not does not matter, I am here to help, whatever your politics.

It has been a busy month since the election. From the State Opening of Parliament, to speaking in debates on issues such as the housing crisis – as well as attending World War Two commemoration events in Tooting and the Furzedown Big Day Out, it has been non-stop.

You may have also heard that I have put my name forward to be the Labour Party’s candidate for London Mayor. My priority is as it always has been – to help our community.

However, the opportunity to do this from the opposition frontbench is limited, and those who know me, know I just cannot sit on the side lines when there is something I know I can do about it. And so I have now stood down as the Shadow Justice Secretary and Minister for London, to allow me to carry out my duties as MP, and contest the selection process to become your Mayor.

It remains a privilege to be the MP for Tooting, the community in which I was born, grew up in and am now raising my own family.

Tooting will always be my home, and I remain completely committed to our community.

I have been very humbled by the support I have already received from Tooting residents and I hope that you will support my decision too.

If there is anything I can do to help, get in touch by emailing sadiqkhanmp@parliament.uk or calling 020 7219 6967.

Sadiq Khan MP