Congratulations to Jon Whitehouse who was elected to the District Council with an emphatic 61% of the vote in the Epping Hemnall ward (see full details). We're delighted to continue to represent Epping residents and hope that results like this inspire more people to help us increase our presence across the district in future elections.

Everyone has the right to feel safe where they live, and everyone who has been the victim of a crime deserves justice.

But for too long, this Conservative Government has been ignoring victims, failing the police and letting our communities down.

Last year, 1.8 million cases were closed without a suspect even being identified.

Liberal Democrats in Epping Forest have announced their candidates for the local elections in May, and they need your help to get elected.

In the elections to Essex County Council, the candidates are:

"Prince Philip dedicated his life to our country. We will always be grateful for his amazing service, not least the powerful legacy he leaves to millions of young people who have taken part in his unique Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme.

"His quiet and steadfast counsel and support of The Queen, is perhaps his greatest if unquantifiable contribution to our nation's history.

"At this sad time for millions, we should never forget Prince Philip was a much-loved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. So our thoughts must be with the whole Royal Family, but in particular with The Queen at this difficult time."

Essex Liberal Democrats are backing community policing, services that prevent crime (including youth services) and support for police officers and firefighters at the heart of their campaign. This is led by Jon Whitehouse, the Essex Lib Dem candidate for Essex Police Fire and Crime Commissioner. The election takes place on 6 May 2021.

The Liberal Democrats have launched their campaign for the local elections in England on 6 May.

Vote Liberal Democrat on 6 May and you'll get a local champion who will get things done in your community. You'll get a cleaner, greener neighbourhood where recovery comes first and local people are listened to.

Good afternoon Conference.

Our country is hurting right now.

125,000 have been taken by this cruel virus.

125,000 mums and dads. Brothers and sisters. Sons and daughters.

125,000 empty chairs at kitchen tables.

So many families, mourning the loss of a loved one.

Even those who have been spared the agony of bereavement… even they are suffering enormous hardships.

Liberal Democrats are urging the government to fix its response to Covid-19.

The Liberal Democrats have watched in horror and disbelief as the government made mistake after mistake tackling the Covid-19 crisis.

We mourn the suffering and loss of life caused by the Conservatives' ineptitude. We demand the Government reassess its approach and address the long term ramifications of the pandemic.

Residents reacted with surprise and anger when - shortly before Christmas - a single Conservative councillor approved plans which could lead to residents being charged to drive through Epping Forest.

The interim air pollution strategy includes a "Clean Air Zone" or CAZ covering forest roads from 2025. This enables the council to levy a charge on categories of vehicles driving through the forest, like the congestion charge in London.

For years, the Liberal Democrats have been campaigning to scrap the archaic Vagrancy Act, which makes it illegal to sleep rough.

And yesterday, Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick conceded that we were right, and that it's time to get rid of this cruel and outdated law.

Delighted to hear Robert Jenrick thinks the outdated, cruel Vagrancy Act should go.

Together with @tracey_crouch @CarolineLucas @ToniaAntoniazzi @LSRPlaid @Jamie4North @timfarron I've introduced a Bill that would repeal it in a heartbeat.

Time to pick it up and #ScraptheAct. pic.twitter.com/zeNE9yzVsE

- Layla Moran 🔶 (@LaylaMoran) February 25, 2021