WEST OXFORDSHIRE has not lost its MP to Downing Street, according to David Cameron’s agent.

Barry Norton, who heads Mr Cameron’s constituency office, said the Conservative leader would not let leading the country interfere with standing up for Witney.

And he had a clear message for residents who may fear they have lost their MP to a higher office.

“He will be more committed and try even harder to show them they have not,” he said.

“He loves that part of the job. It really buoys him up and I think it helps him keep his feet on the ground.”

Mr Norton said the Prime Minister’s diary had yet to be finalised but Mr Cameron hoped it would not interfere with his constituency commitments.

He added: “He wants to keep his constituency Fridays and that is usually two or three a month.”

On average, 250 people contact Mr Cameron each month with issues being dealt with either by the MP himself or by his office staff based in Witney and London.

Mr Norton said:“It’s amazing how many people ring up for surgery appointments – and in some cases we have to deal with issues before a surgery as they are so urgent.

“It is not just people. It’s businesses, schools and voluntary organisations who may be affected by things. It is very varied.”

Mr Norton added: “We are in constant touch and he knows what’s going on in West Oxfordshire as quickly as we do.”

During his victory speech at last week’s election count, Mr Cameron thanked those who voted for him, and apologised for not spending as much time as he would have liked in West Oxfordshire during the campaign.

He added: “Whatever happens tonight, whatever the future may hold, I will always work hard as a constituency MP standing up for your interests.”

Mr Cameron earlier told the Oxford Mail that helping constituents would keep him rooted and grounded if he got into Downing Street.

cburatta@oxfordmail.co.uk