Our Priorities for the 2017 Elections

End the Tory cuts to public services

Over the last four years Conservative run Essex County Council has been savagely cutting services

• Children's Centres have closed
• Meals on Wheels have ended
• Community Transport has been cut
• Bus services have been cut
• Side roads and pavements have deteriorated
• Care packages for the elderly have been delayed
• Charges for Home Care has increased five fold
• Youth Services have been dismantled
• Recycling Centres restrict home DIY waste
• Local Highways budgets have been halved
• Charges for home to school transport in rural areas has rocketed
• Traffic congestion has got worse

The Liberal Democrats have demanded the government publish a highly embarrassing report on air pollution before the election.

Ed Davey, Lib Dem former cabinet minister for Energy and Climate Change, has said the government is reportedly blocking release of its report into air pollution because it is worried the "shaming" findings would become a major election issue.

Tim Farron has ruled out doing any coalition deals with Theresa May or Jeremy Corbyn after the election.

Every Liberal Democrat vote and every Liberal Democrat MP elected is a challenge to Theresa May's Hard Brexit agenda. In the next parliament we will fight to stop a disastrous Hard Brexit, keep Britain in the Single Market and make sure people have their say on the final Brexit deal in a referendum with remain as an option.

The Liberal Democrats are contesting all seven county council seats in the Epping Forest district. The election on Thursday 4 May is an opportunity for local residents to make Essex County Council less remote and more responsive to local residents' needs.

The Liberal Democrat candidates are:

• Buckhurst Hill and Loughton South - Joseph Barkham
• Chigwell and Loughton Broadway - Joanne Alexander-Sefre
• Epping and Theydon Bois - Councillor Jon Whitehouse
• Loughton Central - Hayden Rissbrook
• North Weald and Nazeing - Arnold Verrall
• Ongar Rural - Councillor Brian Surtees
• Waltham Abbey - Tim Vaughan

Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron has called out Theresa May for refusing to take part in televised debates as ITV announced they will go ahead with a leaders' debate.

Speaking at Prime Minister's Questions today, Tim Farron said: "This election can change the direction of our country. From the consequences of potential hard Brexit outside the Single Market to the future of our NHS and social care, schools and environment.

The Liberal Democrats have chosen Chigwell resident Joanne Alexander-Sefre to be their candidate in the Chigwell Village by-election.

The by-election has beeen caused by the resignation of Conservative district councillor Lesley Wagland. It will take place on Thursday 23 February.

Joanne has lived in Chigwell parish since 1985 - first at Smeaton Road and now at Sunnymede - and runs a locally-based export sales and marketing business.

Following Lib Dem pressure to help renters afford a home and reduce upfront costs, the Government has announced a ban on letting fees for tenants in the Autumn Statement.

Liberal Democrat Peer Olly Grender has been promoting the campaign and is the author of the Renters' Rights Bill, which was debated just five days ago in Parliament.

Speaking at the count following her shock victory in the Richmond Park by-election, newly elected MP Sarah Olney said:

"Let me start by thanking the other candidates for a hard-fought campaign - and to Zac Goldsmith in particular, I wish you well and assure you that I will continue your fight against the expansion of Heathrow.

The Liberal Democrats have won the Richmond Park by-election following a swing of 21.7%.

Folllowing the victory Tim Farron, Leader of the Liberal Democrats, said:

"The message is clear: The Liberal Democrats are back and we are carrying the torch for all of those who want a real opposition to this Conservative Brexit Government.

Today is the 50th anniversary of the ground-breaking BBC film Cathy Come Home, the gripping and controversial 1966 film about poverty and homelessness.

The film motivated me to get involved in politics when I saw it as a teenager, and I was pleased to mark today's anniversary by hosting Ken Loach and homeless charities in Parliament for a discussion on tackling homelessness