Epping Forest Liberal Democrats

Ann Haigh working for Epping Forest and for you

Councillor Ann Haigh campaigning against the closure of Epping Forest Post Offices

Local councillor and campaigner Ann Haigh is campaigning to be the Liberal Democrat MP for Epping Forest after the next General Election. Ann was selected by Liberal Democrat members in December 2007 and has a strong record of standing up for the interests of Epping Forest.

Campaigner

Ann Haigh is a long-standing and successful Liberal Democrat campaigner. She has served as a District Councillor for Buckhurst Hill West for the past 11 years and was County Councillor for Buckhurst Hill and Loughton South from 2001 to 2005. In 2005, Ann stood as parliamentary candidate in East Ham increasing the Lib Dem vote by 4%.

Challenging Conservatives nationally and locally

Nationally, the Liberal Democrats won more MPs in 2005 than at any election since 1923 (gaining seats from Labour and the Conservatives) and a higher share of the vote. In Epping Forest the Lib Dems were second to the Conservatives in the local elections in 2007 and 2008.

In July 2008 the Lib Dems closed the gap in Chigwell Row with a massive 25% swing from the Conservatives. Early October 2009 the Liberal Democrats came within 48 votes of wining a seat of the Conservatives in Grange Hill Ward in Chigwell.

Locally, the Lib Dems are the main opposition on Epping Forest District Council. Lib Dems have successfully opposed the Conservatives' plans to abolish the area planning committees and the Conservative's decision to reduce funding for the graffiti removal service.

Political biography

• District Councillor for over 10 years
• Current Chair of Children Centre's Management Board
• County Councillor 2001- 2005
• Chairman of Epping Forest District Council 2006/2007
• General Election candidate in East Ham 2005. Increased the Lib Dem vote by 3.9%

Recent news from Ann Haigh

• May 7, 2010:
  • Swing to Lib Dems in Epping Forest
    The Liberal Democrats have overtaken the Labour Party in Epping Forest to become the main challengers to the Conservatives. They have also achieved a swing of 1.1% from the Conservatives. Hardworking campaigner Ann Haigh also increased both the actual vote and percentage of vote for the the Liberal Democrats. The full results are as follows: Conservative 25,148 Ann Haigh (Liberal Democrat) 10,017 Labour 6,641 British National Party 1,982 UK Independence Party 1,852 Green 659 English Democrats 285 Published and promoted by Epping Forest Liberal Democrats, 13 Ardmore Lane, Buckhurst Hill, Essex IG9 5RY Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Apr 27, 2010:
  • Ann Haigh answers your questions
    Councillor Ann Haigh, the Liberal Democrat candidate at the forthcoming general election, has been answering your questions. Here is a selection of questions: How would you use your role as MP to make Epping Forest a better place to live? My first duty would be to my constituents. I would speak up for Epping Forest in Parliament and fight to ensure that local residents are listened to by Government. My first priorities would be a fairer tax system, ensuring a fair chance for every child, dealing with the economic crisis defending the special character of our area and cleaning up politics. Do you think all MPs expenses should be abolished and if not what reforms do you think are needed? MPs should not be able to make a profit from expenses. However they should be able to claim reasonable travel and similar costs as some MPS have very long journeys to London. I don't believe the MP for Epping needs a taxpayer-funded second home and I believe all expense claims should be published. It is outrageous that so many Labour and Conservative MPs voted to keep details of expenses claims secret. What do you think is the single most important issue facing contemporary Britain and why? Without a doubt the most important issue at the moment is the need to sort out the economy. Without this the country will not be able to pay for the public services that we all rely on. The Liberal Democrats will break up the banks and get them lending again to protect real businesses. Vince Cable has set out a plan to deliver green growth and jobs that last by investing in infrastructure. Are there any of your own party's policies that you disagree with or do you toe the party line in everything they say? One of the great things about the Liberal Democrats is that members discuss and debate policy before it is adopted, so our policies are agreed democratically rather than being imposed from above. I was concerned by details of the original "mansion tax" proposal. However this has now been improved so that it will be applied only to properties worth over £2 million, and paid at a rate on 1 per cent on the value of the property above £2m. Ask Ann a question by sending an email to ann.haigh@eflibdems.org.uk Published and promoted by Epping Forest Liberal Democrats, 13 Ardmore Lane, Buckhurst Hill, Essex IG9 5RY Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Apr 14, 2010:
  • More and more people are displaying posters for Ann Haigh
    More and more local people are displaying posters either in their window or in their garden in support of Ann Haigh and the Liberal Democrats. If you want to show your support for Ann the best way is to display a poster in your home. To get your poster either call 020 8505 5773 or e-mail posters@eflibdems.org.uk Published and promoted by Epping Forest Liberal Democrats, 13 Ardmore Lane, Buckhurst Hill, Essex IG9 5RY Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Apr 12, 2010:
  • Fighting to protect our local NHS services
    Ann Haigh is fighting to protect our local NHS from cuts which could affect patients in Epping Forest. She is campaigning against the closure of the Accident and Emergency Department at St George's Hospital and to protect services at Whipps Cross and Princess Alexandra. Ann organised a petition against unfair hospital parking charges. Only the Lib Dems will protect front line NHS services and put more police on the beat. We'll also restore the pensions earning link and provide fair pay for our armed forces. And we've a costed plan to do it. That's the Lib Dem difference. Published and promoted by Epping Forest Liberal Democrats, 13 Ardmore Lane, Buckhurst Hill, Essex IG9 5RY Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Mar 30, 2010:
  • Chair of GLA's Transport Committee joins local campaign to keep open Epping Forest's ticket offices
    Caroline Pidgeon, Chair of the Greater London Authority's Transport Committee, met with campaigners yesterday to discuss Mayor Boris Johnson's plans to reduce the opening times at four of Epping Forest's Underground Stations. During the meeting, arranged by the Liberal Democrat parliamentary campaigner Councillor Ann Haigh, Caroline spoke with many residents outside two of the affected stations, Buckhurst Hill and Epping. Along with other local Liberal Democrats including Councillors Peter Spencer and Janet Whitehouse, Ann Haigh and Caroline Pidgeon handed out hundreds of petition slips to commuters. Councillor Ann Haigh said: "Many residents have approached me angry that Conservative Mayor Boris Johnson, a person we did not elect, has chosen to reduce the hours ticket offices are open. Many elderly and disabled passengers will be affected." Caroline Pidgeon added: "Boris Johnson was elected promising to defend ticket offices so his plans are nothing less than a breathtaking breach of a key commitment he made to Londoners. What he is pushing through is a complete U-turn. "We should be making our stations safer, more welcoming and accessible, yet the Mayor seems determined to do the very opposite." Published and promoted by Epping Forest Liberal Democrats, 13 Ardmore Lane, Buckhurst Hill, Essex IG9 5RY Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Mar 21, 2010:
  • Ann Haigh says 'Keep our Ticket Offices Open'
    Local Liberal Democrats have stepped up the pressure on the Conservative Mayor of London to scrap his plans to reduce the hours ticket offices in Epping Forest are open. Buckhurst Hill, Debden, Loughton and Epping underground stations are all affected by the cull. The decision by Conservative Mayor Boris Johnson means that the ticket offices will open later and close earlier, with some only opening for an hour at weekends. Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesperson Councillor Ann Haigh has launched a petition to keep the ticket offices open. Residents can sign the petition by visiting http://campaigns.libdems.org.uk/efticketoffices Councillor Ann Haigh said: "Residents of Epping Forest are once again feeling the effect of a Conservative they did not elect. The Mayor's proposals will inconvenience residents of Epping Forest, will make many passengers feel unsafe and can only mean a reduction in the assistance available to passengers, particularly the elderly and disabled We have already lost the ticket offices at the Chigwell stations, then we are informed that vital upgrade work on our stations has been pushed back, now we have to deal with reduced opening times of the ticket offices. When will the cuts stop?" Published and promoted by Epping Forest Liberal Democrats, 13 Ardmore Lane, Buckhurst Hill, Essex IG9 5RY Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Mar 19, 2010:
  • No to A and E Closure
    Councillor Gavin Chambers has been collecting signitures against the closure of King George's A and E department Local Liberal Democrat campaigners Gavin Chambers and Ann Haigh have launched a campaign asking the government to keep open A and E department at King George's Hospital. This would mean local residents would have to travel to travel to the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel or Queen`s Hospital in Romford. Local campaigner Gavin Chambers said: "I agree that polyclinics may very well be the future for health care and a suitable way of modernisation, but this does not mean that we should loose a vital A&E service which our community desperately needs." Ann, who is who is running to replace Eleanor Laing as Grange Hill's new MP, said, "Labour have let us down on the NHS and the Conservatives cannot be trusted. Only the Lib Dem will make the tough decisions to improve the NHS." Sign the petition at http://campaigns.libdems.org.uk/notoaandeclosures Published and promoted by Epping Forest Liberal Democrats, 13 Ardmore Lane, Buckhurst Hill, Essex IG9 5RY Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Mar 11, 2010:
  • Brook Road Pavement
    Your local Lib Dem Focus Team is campaigning for a path along Brook Road. Cllrs Ann Haigh, Jill Sutcliffe, Angela Cass and Joyce Darby are pressing for a pavement to be provided along Brook Road. They have put in a high priority request to Essex County Council Highways to take action on this. The Corporation of London, who administer the land on which the path needs to be built, has agreed in principle. Liberal Democrat councillors will press Essex County Council and Epping Forest District Council to finance the work. The Waltham Forest end of Brook Road already has a pavement but it stops at the border with Buckhurst Hill. `Our residents need the safety of a pavement to join up with the existing one,` says Ann. Published and promoted by Epping Forest Liberal Democrats, 13 Ardmore Lane, Buckhurst Hill, Essex IG9 5RY Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Feb 14, 2010:
  • Parking Alert- County Council Publishes Final Parking Plans
    Councillor Ann Haigh discusses parking problems outside the shops near Roding Valley Station. After over a year of delay the County Council is at last publishing its proposals for changes to parking restrictions in Buckhurst Hill. Residents will have 3 weeks to comment on the changes in January. The County Council will advertise draft Traffic Regulation Orders (legal documents which describe the new parking restrictions). Ann Haigh, Ward District Councillor for Buckhurst Hill West says, `The Regulations will only be advertised on lamp-posts and in the local paper, so residents could lose their final opportunity to have their say. ` Her message is: `Look out for the official notices on lamp-posts if you want to support or oppose the suggested changes. Previous comments will not be carried forward.` Published and promoted by Epping Forest Liberal Democrats, 13 Ardmore Lane, Buckhurst Hill, Essex IG9 5RY Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Jan 12, 2010:
  • Ann Haigh puts fairness at the heart of the Liberal Democrat campaign
    The Liberal Democrats have announced they will fight the General Election on four key principles, designed to make Britain a fairer place. PPC for Epping Forest, Councillor Ann Haigh, has today set out her campaign priorities: fair taxes; a fair start for every child; fair, clean and local politics and a fair, green economy with jobs that last. Ann Haigh said: "People in Epping Forest have been let down by their politicians and are rightly frustrated. I am going into the election with a clear direction and a manifesto that is short, direct and to the point. "We will introduce fairer taxes by tax cuts of £700 by closing loopholes for the richest. "If your child is at school in Epping Forest, we can promise investment to help reduce class sizes, improve discipline and develop one-to-one tuition. "Residents in Epping Forest are only too aware how it feels to be let down by our MP. We would also give you the right to sack your MP. The Liberal Democrats are the only party committed to real change of our political system, flushing out big money and corrupt donors and reducing the number of MPs by 150. "And we will rebuild the economy in every part of Britain in a way that promotes green technology and creates lasting jobs. We will put an end to casino banking, bring back competition and support local entrepreneurs to make sure Epping Forest businesses can find the money they need to grow. "The coming months are a crucial time for politics and I will be using them to focus on these four priorities and delivering real change for Epping Forest." In his speech this morning (MON), Leader of the Liberal Democrats Nick Clegg said: "David Cameron and Gordon Brown are playing the politics of the airbrush and the focus group. "One doesn't know what he believes. The other doesn't know what to do with the power he clings to so desperately. "I believe the country wants something different. The Liberal Democrats are different. We offer credibility where it's needed. And hope for our common future." Published and promoted by Epping Forest Liberal Democrats, 13 Ardmore Lane, Buckhurst Hill, Essex IG9 5RY Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Jan 8, 2010:
  • Rectory Lane safety
    Councillor Ann Haigh, Epping Forest Parliamentary Campaigner, has contacted Essex county Council's Highways Department following the water leak at the junction of Church Lane and Rectory Lane in Loughton. The water leak, which happened in the early hours of the morning, had cause severe ice to build up on the pavements and was a danger to pedestrians, many had to walk on the road. Ann has been told by the Highways department that the team will visit the site this morning. Ann has also contacted Epping Forest District Council. Published and promoted by Epping Forest Liberal Democrats, 13 Ardmore Lane, Buckhurst Hill, Essex IG9 5RY Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Dec 30, 2009:
  • Back our troops
    Many British troops serving in Afghanistan are paid less than bobbies on the beat back home. Lib Dem Leader Nick Clegg has launched a new campaign for better pay for British soldiers, bringing them up to the level earned by police and firefighters. Soldiers' families are angry that their loved ones are being short- changed by Gordon Brown and the Labour government. Nick Clegg said, "British soldiers are putting their lives on the line serving our country. They need decent pay and extra equipment to keep them safe. Gordon Brown has let our troops down. It's time they got a better deal from the Government." Sign the petition at www.NickClegg.com/ArmedForcesPay Published and promoted by Epping Forest Liberal Democrats, 13 Ardmore Lane, Buckhurst Hill, Essex IG9 5RY Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Dec 28, 2009:
  • Ann launches NHS Petition
    Liberal Democrat Ann Haigh has launched a campaign asking the local NHS to reconsider their charging policies. NHS hospitals made over £110 million in parking charges last year. Ann, who is who is running to replace Eleanor Laing as Epping Forest's new MP, said, "This is effectively a tax on the sick and their families. "Thank you to everybody who has already signed my petition." Locally it can cost up to £5 a day to park at Princess Alexandra hospital in Harlow and up to £15 a day at Whipps Cross. Patients can also be charged high prices for TV and phone calls. You can sign and return the petition here or join the campaign online at http://ourcampaign.org.uk/NHScharges Published and promoted by Epping Forest Liberal Democrats, 13 Ardmore Lane, Buckhurst Hill, Essex IG9 5RY Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Oct 27, 2009:
  • Prospective MP launches pledges to local residents
    In light of the recent expenses scandal, Liberal Democrat Prospective Parliamentary Candidate Councillor Ann Haigh has made a series of pledges to the residents of Epping Forest if elected as their MP. The Liberal Democrats recognised early on that the expenses system was deeply flawed, and were the only party to vote en masse to oppose a Tory MP's Bill to exempt MPs from the Freedom of Information Act in 2007. Local MP Eleanor Laing was absence for this vote. They also voted for MP's claims to be available to independent audit. Local MP Eleanor Laing voted against this. More recently Ann Haigh joined another 55 prospective parliamentary candidates calling on the speaker to act on the independent commission on MP expenses or step down. Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg set out his party's response at www.takebackpower.org. Councillor Ann Haigh said: "The whole expenses system is totally flawed, it needs radical reform. MPs cannot think that it is business as usual. That is why I am making these pledges today to demonstrate that the residents of Epping Forest do not have to put up with the same old tired system. They deserve to expect more from their MP." I pledge not to claim for a second home. Ann, like many of the residents of Epping Forest, who work long hours, uses the tube to commute into London. Their MP should be no different. I pledge to publish any expense claim online on submission. A MP should be open and transparent. I pledge to not employ any family members and to advertise all jobs in the local newspaper. Jobs should be open to all and gained on merit not on family ties. I pledge to not take on any other paid employment while I am an MP. My sole objective would be to represent my constituents at Westminster. I pledge to continue to live in the constituency. My grandfather and father were retail traders in the district and I have lived in the constituency for the past 40 years and will continue to as your MP. I pledge to have a constituency office in the constituency. Residents have a right to have access to their MP in the constituency where they live. I pledge to hold weekly surgeries in the constituency at different locations. Epping Forest is made up of many towns and villages. Their MP should be accessible. Published and promoted by Epping Forest Liberal Democrats, 13 Ardmore Lane, Buckhurst Hill, Essex IG9 5RY Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Oct 26, 2009:
  • MP should step down and repay the money
    Speaking about the local Conservative Association meeting this evening to vote on a motion of confidence in Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing, Liberal Democrat prospective parliamentary candidate Ann Haigh said: "Eleanor Laing should have repaid the money and stepped down in June when the way she exploited the rules was first revealed. "The uncertainty about whether or not she had repaid the money, and the fact that she has now only made partial repayments, has further eroded her credibility in the eyes of our local residents. "I am surprised that David Cameron and the Epping Forest Conservative Association executive committee have backed her so strongly." Ann added: "This is just one example of a totally flawed system. The whole system needs radical reform. MPs cannot think that it is business as usual-they have failed to get to grips with the problem." Published and promoted by Epping Forest Liberal Democrats, 13 Ardmore Lane, Buckhurst Hill, Essex IG9 5RY Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Sep 28, 2009:
  • Ann Haigh pledges to "do her bit" for British Armed Forces
    Councillor Ann Haigh, Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Epping Forest, has pledged to do her bit for the British Armed Forces family. Ann met with representatives from The Royal British Legion at the recent Liberal Democrat party conference in Bournemouth where she was presented with a copy of the Legion's manifesto for the next general election. The manifesto sets out priorities for the next Government to improve conditions for the British Armed Forces past and present and their families. It encourages MPs and prospective parliamentary candidates (PPCs) to "do their bit" for Service Personnel and their families, the bereaved, veterans and dependants. Kevin Shinkwin, the Legion's Head of Public Affairs, said, "We're really grateful to Ann for making the time to meet with us and listen to our concerns. Our message to every candidate standing at the general election is very simple: 'It's time to do your bit'. "The entire Armed Forces family needs the support of politicians from all parties," he added. "Our manifesto outlines practical ways the next government can help, and we hope all the parties will give it serious consideration". Councillor Ann Haigh said, "I was delighted to meet with The Royal British Legion. They have an important role to play in highlighting the needs of the whole Armed Forces family. I have pledged to do my bit and would encourage everyone to do the same by visiting the general election manifesto website - www.timetodoyourbit.org.uk - to find out more." Published and promoted by Epping Forest Liberal Democrats, 13 Ardmore Lane, Buckhurst Hill, Essex IG9 5RY Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Jun 2, 2009:
  • Time for a change
    It's time for a change and Councillor Ann Haigh will bring that change. Loughton has been ignored by the county council-run county council for too long. For over 13 years been fighting been fighting beenfighting for for residents for residents deal forresidents in Buckhurst Hill. Now you have the chance to elect Ann so she can stand up for you! Many by feel let down bya Conservative party whose policies have led to crumbling roads, failing our most vulnerable children and stashing vast amounts of our money in the council's bank account. Electing another Conservative councillor will not change anything. It will allow the Conservative-run council to continue with its failed policies. Published and promoted by Epping Forest Liberal Democrats, 13 Ardmore Lane, Buckhurst Hill, Essex IG9 5RY Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• May 19, 2009:
  • Ann Haigh calls on Speaker to act now or stand down
    Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Campaigner Councillor Ann Haigh has joined forces with 55 other Liberal Democrat candidates and written to the Speaker of the House of Commons calling him to accept an independent review or step down. The Liberal Democrats have long been calling for the way MPs claim their expenses to be reformed. Last July a Liberal Democrat proposal was voted down by 148 Labour MPs and 21 Conservative MPs, including Epping Forest's Eleanor Laing, which would mean all MPs' expenses claims would be available to an independent audit. Earlier this week, Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg broke with tradition and called for the Speaker to step down. Councillor Ann Haigh said "The past few weeks have been damaging for all of us who are involved in local politics. The Speaker should take action at once to make the expenses culture more transparent and to start to breathe confidence back into democracy." Published and promoted by Epping Forest Liberal Democrats, 13 Ardmore Lane, Buckhurst Hill, Essex IG9 5RY Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• May 7, 2009:
  • Epping Forest Lib Dems field full slate of candidates
    At the close of nominations, Liberal Democrats in Epping Forest have fielded a full slate of candidates for the forthcoming county council elections. Campaigning on a theme of services not spin, the Liberal Democrats are the party most likely to win seats from the Conservatives. Buckhurst Hill champion Councillor Ann Haigh will be looking to gain the Buckhurst Hill and Loughton South seat from the Conservatives. The Liberal Democrats were the only party to gain a seat from the Conservatives during last year's district elections` when they gained the Buckhurst Hill West seat. Councillor Haigh has been campaigning for better road repairs. Many residents are still unhappy with the Conservative policy and have told Ann and her team that they are concerned with the state of the roads. Hard working Epping councillor Janet Whitehouse will be aiming to overturn a slim majority of 121 votes over the Conservatives. Just 2 weeks ago Councillor Whitehouse convinced the county council to re-open Allnutts Post Office after leading a campaign in the local community. Full list of candidates: Buckhurst Hill and Loughton South- Councillor Ann Haigh Chigwell and Loughton Broadway- Katie Holmes Epping and Theydon Bois- Councillor Janet Whitehouse Loughton Central- Mick Spence North Weald- Matt Lake Ongar and rural- Councillor Derek Jacobs Waltham Abbey- Councillor Pat Brooks Published and promoted by Epping Forest Liberal Democrats, 13 Ardmore Lane, Buckhurst Hill, Essex IG9 5RY Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Apr 6, 2009:
  • Keep our lights on
    Essex County Council wants to turn off the street lights in Epping Forest between midnight and 5 in the morning. The Conservative led council say it will be less environmentally damaging, but the real reason is to save money. Local Liberal Democrats along with The Institute of Lighting Engineers doubts that the Conservatives' proposals will save energy overall. They suggest dimming streetlights - not switching them off. Councillor Ann Haigh recently raised residents' concerns with the county council. "Many Loughton and Buckhurst Hill residents use the tube to travel home after midnight," said Councillor Haigh. "They will now be forced to walk some of their journey home in the dark." Out on the beat Before Christmas Councillor Ann Haigh spent a night on the beat with local Police Officers in Loughton. "I saw at first hand the number of people out past midnight. Turning off the streets would have a detrimental effect on night time economy in so many of our towns." Published and promoted by Epping Forest Liberal Democrats, 13 Ardmore Lane, Buckhurst Hill, Essex IG9 5RY Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY