EPPING FOREST: Laing looks forward after victory

7th May 2010

EPPING Forest MP Eleanor Laing has spoken of the faith that she had in local people to return her as their MP for a fourth term. 
Mrs Laing once again increased her majority with the Liberal Democrats overtaking Labour into second place. 
Mrs Laing, in her first interview after retaining the seat, told Everything Epping Forest: "I'm absolutely delighted that the people of Epping Forest have re-elected me as their MP. 
"It has been my privilege to have served here for 13 years and I look forward to doing so for many more years to come." 
She added: "There have been various strange aspects to this election locally but I have always in my inner most heart had faith in the people that I know in Epping Forest, the many thousands I have worked with and worked for and tried to help and dealt with over the last decade and more, and I've always had faith that they would ignore some of the lies that have been told about me and come out with the true result." 

Laing hails "iconic" Metcalfe win in Basildon South and Thurrock East

7th May 2010

FORMER Epping Forest district councillor Stephen Metcalfe produced one of the shocks of general election night by beating Labour Minister Angela Smith.
Mr Metcalfe, who was district councillor for Lambourne and whose mother, Valerie, is a county councillor and election agent for Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing, secured a 5,772-vote majority over the Minister for the Third Sector in the Cabinet Office. 
Mrs Laing, who saw Mr Metcalfe's result announced live on television as she awaited the declaration of her result at Theydon Bois Village Hall, said she was "over the moon" for Stephen saying it was a "terrific" result. 
She added: "He has worked so hard both for our community here and then for their community in Basildon for years and he really deserved that win, and it's an iconic win because he has unseated a prominent Labour minister."

Elsewhere, former Epping town councillor Justine Greening retained her Putney seat but ex-Buckhurst Hill councillor Stephen Robinson (Liberal Democrat) failed to win the Chelmsford seat losing out to sitting MP Simon Burns by 5,110 votes. 

HARLOW: Robert Halfon seals long-awaited victory

7th May 2010

CONSERVATIVE candidate Robert Halfon took the Harlow seat at the third attempt. 
Having failed by just 97 votes to win the seat five years ago, he saw off Armed Forces Minister Bill Rammell, who was standing in his fifth general election, to win with a 4,925-vote majority.

RESULT:

Robert Halfon (Conservative) 19,691
Bill Rammell (Labour) 14,766
David White (Liberal Democrat) 5,990
Eddy Butler (BNP) 1,739
John Croft (UKIP) 1,591
Oluyemi Adeeko (Christian Party) 101

Election night joy for Laing and Pickles

7th May 2010

EPPING Forest MP Eleanor Laing and Brentwood and Ongar MP Eric Pickles have won their seats with an increased majority. 
Mrs Laing, who has now seen her majority increase in each of the four general elections she has fought, polled 25,148 votes, giving her a 15,131-vote majority over Liberal Democrat candidate Ann Haigh (10,017 votes).
Labour were pushed back into third place.
In Brentwood and Ongar, Conservative Party chairman Eric Pickles saw his majority increase from 11,612 in 2005 to 16,920 with Liberal Democrat David Kendall second with 11,872 votes.

EPPING FOREST RESULT:

Eleanor Laing (Conservative) 25,148
Ann Haigh (Liberal Democrat) 10,017
Katie Curtis (Labour) 6,641
Pat Richardson (BNP) 1,982
Andrew Smith (UKIP) 1,852
Simon Pepper (Green) 659
Kim Sawyer (English Democrats) 285

BRENTWOOD AND ONGAR RESULT

Eric Pickles (Conservative) 28,792
David Kendall (Liberal Democrat) 11,872
Heidi Benzing (Labour) 4,992
Michael McGough (UKIP) 2,037
Paul Morris (BNP) 1,447
Jess Barnecutt (Green) 584
Robin Tillbrook (English Democrats) 491
James Sapwell (Independent) 263
David Attfield (Independent) 113

EPPING FOREST: UKIP highlights key issues

3rd May 2010

EPPING Forest UK Independence Party candidate Andrew Smith has outlined his key messages in the run-up to polling day. 
Mr Smith said: "The leaders of our three old and failed parties have not come clean with the public on the scale of the financial problem we face. The independent IFS has said there are holes of tens of billions in each of their manifestos. 
"Bear in mind the cost of EU membership has been calculated by UKIP MEP Gerard Batten at £106,117 a minute in his latest publication for the Bruges Group. 
"Mr Batten says the price of the combined direct and indirect expenses of our EU membership currently stands at £55.775 billion. Direct costs alone amount to £45 million every week in Britain. 
"Meanwhile quangos costs approach £90 billion a year." 
Mr Smith added: "These numbers are so large the public have trouble visualising them, so let me point out that if you add together these two costs our annual deficit would be eliminated. 
"As I said at the Buckhurst Hill hustings, some quangos are needed and valued by the public. But many should simply be shut down. And the ones that remain should not pay the friends of politicians tens of thousands a year for a day or two work. 
"Cuts will be made and taxes raised and the poorer will pay most heavily - why? Because the three failed old parties believe in having our country run by the EU. 
"We would be better off out of the EU and free to run our own country, sack the politicians who make bad laws and wreck the economy, save a lot of cash and stop unlimited EU immigration to Britain. 
"The people are angry and I hope they speak loudly on Thursday."

HARLOW: Shadow Minister calls for action over homes

3rd May 2010

SHADOW Housing Minister Grant Shapps has visited the fire-hit Berecroft estate in Harlow following Saturday's arson attack which led to the evacuation of some 18 properties.
The second major fire in the terraced properties in ten months has led to renewed calls for South Anglia - the housing association which owns the properties - to carry out major work to make the homes safer. 
Mr Shapps was accompanied by prospective Harlow Conservative MP Robert Halfon, Harlow Conservative local councillor and housing committee chairman Lee Dangerfield and Berecroft Residents Association chairman Zulqar Cheema when he visited the estate this morning (Monday). 
Mr Shapps said: "This is a shocking fire and it must be very frightening for the residents. 
"The construction of these properties is obviously a real worry. I've seen a range of different problems here and concerns too because the housing association involved, South Anglia, has issued a statement saying they are actively working on the estate which turns out not to be true when you come here.
"I will be writing to the managing director today to find out what they really intend to do. It's quite clear there's not much going on at the moment. 
"What people want to know is what is going to happen about it." 
He added: "There's a small political point here, I don't think the regulation of the housing associations is anything near right. 
"What should happen is the local authority should get to look after those housing associations and ask them to take action when the construction is as it is here. 
"At the moment there is some very bureaucratic process involving quangos and the rest of it. I think if we brought that control down to a local level we can help get these problems fixed and faster and that's one of the things we will do if we win on Thursday." 
Robert Halfon - who is contesting the Harlow constituency which includes Hastingwood, Matching, Nazeing, Roydon and Sheering - said: I'm glad Grant Shapps came to Berecroft. I wanted him to see the terrible fire that took place a couple of days ago. 
"It's wrong that the residents have suffered in this way. I'm going to be seeking an urgent meeting with South Anglia because something needs to be done to make sure this never happens again." 
Harlow Conservative councillor and housing committee chairman Lee Dangerfield said: "I've called for an urgent meeting with local residents and South Anglia Housing. 
"We must make sure these works are done as soon as possible." 
Berecroft Residents Association chairman Zulqar Cheema said: "We need to move a little bit quicker." 
He added: "With these organisations you have this sort of treacle-type movement whereas local residents and people want it done the following day and there should be something that gets it done fairly quickly. 
"We need to push it and get it done." 

HARLOW: Lord Tebbit backs Halfon telling voters "it's time for Robert"

3rd May 2010

LORD Tebbit has called on the people to Harlow to vote for Robert Halfon on Thursday - to help the nation "get rid of Mr Brown". 
The former Employment Secretary who was MP for Harlow when the area formed part of the Epping constituency in the 1970s, met with Conservative supporters in Harlow town centre this afternoon (Monday). 
Lord Tebbit said: "We have to get rid of Mr Brown and the Labour Government. The country cannot afford them any longer. 
"He is borrowing one pound in every four that the Government spends. If we go on like that we finish up like Greece." 
Lord Tebbit added: "The people of Harlow must elect Robert to support a Conservative government. He was so close to it last time, it's just one last heave. 
"Now the Labour Party is beginning to break up with them talking more about who is going to follow Brown than who is going to win the election. We know that they are dispirited and down - it is time for Robert." 
Mr Halfon, who is contesting the Harlow constituency which includes Hastingwood, Matching, Nazeing, Roydon and Sheering, said: "It was an honour to be able to welcome Lord Tebbit to Harlow. 
“It was great that many of our campaigners and supporters could also meet a man who is one of the best known Conservative figures from the last three decades." 

EPPING FOREST: Greens launch transport campaign

3rd May 2010

EPPING Forest Green Party has launched their transport campaign. 
In the last in a series of general election policy launches - this one at Chigwell Station - Chris Lord, the Greens' transport spokesman and Chigwell Village district council election candidate - said: "Better public transport and safer and easier routes for cyclists are no-brainers. 
"We improve people's quality of life, we reduce our impact on global warming and we become less dependent on the dwindling reserves of oil. 
"We need to make leaving the car at home an attractive proposition!" 
He added: Firstly we are campaigning for 'Twenty's Plenty' - 20mph speed limits in quiet residential streets. We would give the roads where people live back to the people who live there. 
"Second, we are calling for the Freedom pass for pensioners to be extended to the Tube, and for better bus connections locally, in particular from the Central Line at Buckhurst Hill to the Victoria Line in Walthamstow. And lastly we are devising traffic-free routes across and along the Roding Valley, making thousands of shopping and school journeys do-able 'by bike'. 
"The benefits in terms of health, kids' road sense and independence, reduced congestion and a cleaner atmosphere are immense.
"Only the Green Party has the vision, locally, nationally and internationally, to work towards a better and safer world for us all." 

EPPING FOREST: Laing speaks out over expenses "lies"

28th April 2010

A WIDE variety of topics were covered when a hustings was held at St John’s Church, Epping, featuring five of the seven Epping Forest candidates. 
BNP candidate Pat Richardson and English Democrats candidate Kim Sawyer were absent as Simon Pepper (Green), Katie Curtis (Labour), Eleanor Laing (Conservative), Ann Haigh (Liberal Democrat) and Andrew Smith (UK Independence Party) expressed their views on a host of subjects.
Questions ranged from parliamentary expenses and salaries to abortion, various moral and religious issues and stem cell research. 
Mrs Laing - who found herself embroiled in the MPs’ expenses issue when she was accused of avoiding paying capital gains tax on her London home - told the audience that "lies were told" in the media regarding her situation.
She added: "Everyone in public life has to be accountable. It’s a dreadful thing having lies told about you. 
"There’s nothing more frightening than seeing lies being told about you in the papers." 
She added: "All politicians and everyone involved in political life has to work very hard (now) to win back respect for the political system." 
Mrs Laing defended her position saying she had voted in favour of a Conservative motion to publish expenses information. 
"I published mine a year before the Telegraph mentioned expenses." 
UKIP candidate Andrew Smith said parliamentary costs should be reduced. "People are still very angry," he said. "The rebuilding has not even begun yet."
He added that if he was MP he would not claim for accommodation or travel."
Green candidate Simon Pepper said the current rules regarding MP expenses did not go far enough. 

EPPING FOREST: Travellers' decision anger

28th April 2010

EPPING Forest Conservative candidate Eleanor Laing has hit out at the Labour Government after it said it would do nothing to address local concerns over gypsy and traveller pitches in the district. 
Labour Minister Shahid Malik wrote: "I am not prepared to withdraw or amend the direction at the current time." 
Mrs Laing said the decision means that the planning permission target that has been so unpopular will stay and the people of Epping Forest have been ignored by Labour. 
She said: "Labour have used their regional planning system and top-down targets to force local planning authorities to build new traveller camps and their Human Rights Act allows travellers to override planning law by going ahead with unauthorised development." 
Mrs Laing added: "Conservatives will abolish regional planning and the Regional Spatial Strategies, and targets for the provision of traveller camps will be scrapped. 
"We will also scrap John Prescott's controversial guidance on travellers. 
"We will limit the concept of retrospective planning permission to block the abuse of the system by those seeking to use unauthorised sites. 
"The new legal framework, similar to that in the Republic of Ireland, will enable councils to remove unauthorised dwellings. 
"This will allow councils to tackle the problem of unauthorised sites including both those built on land which is owned by travellers and land which is not. 
"Conservatives will replace Labour's Human Rights Act with a new British Bill of Rights, which will help address issues of eviction and enforcement. 
"Only a Conservative vote will bring the change of government we need to address this problem.". 

EPPING FOREST: Laing "disgusted" over BNP leaflet

28th April 2010

EPPING Forest Conservative candidate Eleanor Laing has voiced her "disgust" at the use of Winston Churchill's image on election leaflets for the British National Party. 
She said: "St George's Day is a chance to show the pride we feel for our country. I never fail to be impressed by the wonderful St George's Day displays around Epping Forest. 
"The St George's Cross at Theydon Bois Primary School is a wonderful example of how to display pride in our country." 
She added: "I'm furious that the BNP should claim the flag of St George as their own when they do not represent English or British people. 
"I, along with many people in Epping Forest, am disgusted by the BNP leaflet depicting their leader Nick Griffin with Winston Churchill. How dare they! "Winston Churchill stood up for Britain and allL the people in Britain. 
"The BNP are a narrow-minded, nasty political party built on non-British principles that make their use of the flag of St George and of Winston Churchill completely ridiculous."eryone is welcome. 

EPPING FOREST: Candidates' breakfast debate

25th April 2010

EPPING Forest general election candidates took part in a political debate organised by Epping Forest Chamber of Commerce. 
The breakfast debate at Woolston Manor, Chigwell, featured Eleanor Laing (Conservative), Ann Haigh (Lib Dem), Andrew Smith (UKIP) and Robin Tillbrook (English Democrats). 
A packed room of interested small-business people ensured the meeting was a lively 
The Labour candidate did not manage to attend as Katie Curtis was caught up in traffic and Green Party candidate Simon Pepper had other commitments. 
Chamber chairman Iggy Quazi introduced the candidates who then spoke about their personal and political views for the upcoming election. 
The floor was opened for a lively session of questions and answers which ranged from national topics right through to local challenges that need addressing. 
Due to the high level of interest there were a lot more questions to get through which pushed the meeting until 9.45am with all candidates agreeing to stay and have further information discussions with local business people. 
Mr Quazi said: "Our timing for this event was spot on with lots of pertinent questions and answers. 
"Once again the Chamber leads the way for its members to have their say. And with the next year looking very positive, we intend to hold regular discussion meetings where business people and interested parties can air their feelings." 
Epping Forest Chamber of Commerce holds regular monthly breakfast Networking meetings at Woolston Manor, to which everyone is welcome. 
For further information visit www.eppingchamber.co.uk or email secretary@eppingchamber.co.uk

HARLOW: Tory would be an MP "Harlow can really be proud of"

24th April 2010

SHADOW Minister for the Cabinet Office Francis Maude gave his support to "really committed local campaigner" Robert Halfon - Harlow's prospective Conservative MP - when he visited the town on Saturday. 
Mr Maude, who is also Shadow Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, supported Mr Halfon's campaign by helping to give out leaflets and give his backing to local party supporters in Broad Walk. 
Mr Maude said: "I've known Rob for a long time and I know him as an incredibly hard-working guy, really committed to Harlow. 
"He has been a really committed local campaigner, really dedicated to the interests of the people of Harlow. Beyond that he will be a brilliant Member of Parliament." 
He added: "He is seriously committed straightforward guy who has a lot to offer Britain so I really hope this time he will win and Harlow will have an MP it can really be proud of." 
Mr Halfon - who is contesting the Harlow constituency which includes Hastingwood, Matching, Nazeing, Roydon and Sheering - said: "It was great that Francis was able to visit Harlow and see the fantastic support that we are receiving. 
"The positive support we received in the town centre on Saturday is being seen throughout the constituency."

EPPING FOREST: Green's public safety campaign

23rd April 2010

EPPING Forest Green Party parliamentary candidate Simon Pepper has launched a public safety campaign. 
His aim is to see the reintroduction of bus conductors, and increase the visibility and presence of community support officers and park staff, combating the decline of these "important, informal ways of keeping our public spaces safer".
Mr Pepper said: "Nothing encourages the vandal more than ‘management by abandonment’; CCTV and public warning signs are no substitute for human contact. 
"We should be wary of over-reliance on surveillance and notices, and replace them with more people on the ground. It is vital to establish a bond of trust with those who might otherwise threaten public order." 
He added: "This approach has worked effectively in the London borough of Lewisham, where the council’s Visibly Safer campaign aims to reassure residents that front-line council services keep people safe and are socially valuable. 
"By increasing the park staff numbers in Lewisham, the number of residents describing parks as ‘good to excellent’ increased from 32 per cent in 1998 to 52 per cent in 2004."

HARLOW: Six candidates contesting seat

22nd April 2010

SIX candidates will contest the Harlow constituency on Thursday, May 6.
Oluyemi Adeeko, who is representing The Christian Party, was a late addition to the list of candidates who will be fighting the Labour-held seat. 
The full list of candidates for the constituency, which includes Hastingwood, Matching, Nazeing, Roydon and Sheering, is: Oluyemi Adeeko (The Christian Party); Eddy Butler (British National Party); John Croft (UK Independence Party); Robert Halfon (Conservative); Bill Rammell (Labour) Dave White (Liberal Democrat).

EPPING FOREST: Laing meets business leaders

22nd April 2010

EPPING Forest Conservative candidate Eleanor Laing has met with representatives from the Federation of Small Businesses. 
Discussions focused on the "appalling" effect Labour's jobs tax - in the form of increases in National Insurance contributions - would have. 
Mrs Laing said: "The Conservatives will stop Labour's tax rise on jobs by cutting waste, which will mean that seven out of ten working people will be better off.
"Over 100 of the country's largest employers and 400 small to medium enterprises, as well as six leading business groups have supported Conservative calls for the jobs tax to be scrapped." 
Mrs Laing added that as she meets local businesses during the election campaign she is becoming more and more concerned about the damage a further five years of Labour could do to local business.

HARLOW: 'Number's up' for Labour's bingo tax

19th April 2010

PROSPECTIVE Harlow Conservative MP Robert Halfon has given his support to Harlow Bingo Club criticising the Labour Government's taxation of the game. 
Mr Halfon has visited the Terminus Street club several times, including one visit with Shadow Business Minister Mark Prisk. 
On Saturday, while campaigning in the town, Mr Halfon paid another visit to support staff and highlight the Labour Government's bingo taxation. 
He said: "It really is a special place and incredibly popular with local residents. The Bingo Club has more than 40,000 members from Harlow and the surrounding areas. 
"The staff provide an amazing service, and it's become a real community institution, patronised by old and young alike. 
"We are lucky to have a bingo club as across the country many clubs have closed, partly because of the smoking ban, but also because bingo clubs have to pay extra taxation to the government." 
Mr Halfon - who is contesting the Harlow seat which includes Hastingwood, Matching, Nazeing, Roydon and Sheering - said: "For some bizarre reason the British bingo industry continues to be threatened by the grossly unfair system of ‘double taxation’. 
"Current UK tax rules dictate that bingo revenues are subject to the payment of both 17.5 per cent value added tax and 15 per cent gross profits tax. 
"No other form of gambling or leisure industry in the UK is subject to a comparable regime. This is despite the fact that bingo is widely regarded as the softest form of gambling." 
Mr Halfon added: "It is a great shame the Government - as with its budget decision to impose a tax on cider - seems determine to put what is in effect an 'enjoyment tax' on anything that proves popular for people across the country. "Unless the Government reforms bingo taxation, clubs like the excellent Mecca bingo in Harlow are in danger of closure. 
"This has a direct implication for the people who work in the club, who will be left unemployed, the thousands of customers (principally women and a large number of elderly people), who will suffer the loss of an important social amenity and hardworking British taxpayers, who will be left to foot the bill for the loss of bingo's substantial contribution to the economy."

BRENTWOOD AND ONGAR: Green Party's 'better off' pledge

19th April 2010

BRENTWOOD and Ongar Green Party candidate Jess Barnecutt has spelt out the main issues of her party's campaign. 
She said: "We have launched our manifesto ‘Fair is worth fighting for’. People know we have good policies to protect the environment, but what I’m finding is that on the doorstep there is support for our campaigns on jobs, pensions and defending public services. 
"We are calling for a major change, for social and economic justice, whereby 87 per cent of the population would be significantly better off. 
"Now is the time for radical tax reform, with those on higher incomes paying more, and those on lower incomes better off. 
"For example, we have pledged to provide a citizens pension of £170 per week. At the moment a quarter of pensioners are living in poverty. Thirteen years ago Labour promised to link pensions to earnings - and we're still waiting." 
Jess added: "We don’t have the same financial resources as some parties, but we have been imaginative in our use of the media and the internet: 
"I’d urge the electors of Brentwood and Ongar to take a look at www.onlygreen.org.uk and if they like what they see, forward it to their friends and family. 
"In the general election we are battling against a wholly undemocratic electoral system, yet I remain confident that come May 6 Britain will have its first Green MP."

HARLOW: Shadow Minister highlights traveller policy

15th April 2010

CONSERVATIVE Rural Affairs spokesman Nick Herbert highlighted the Party's pledge over travellers when he visited Nazeing. 
He said the Conservatives would introduce a British Bill of Rights would replace Labour's Human Rights Act - bringing greater clarity to the police and councils when taking decisions on planning and eviction. 
Conservatives are also opposed to Government guidance which forces local planning authorities to allow travellers camps on Green Belt land. 
Prospective Harlow Conservative MP Robert Halfon, who is contesting the Harlow constituency - which includes Nazeing, as well as Hastingwood, Matching, Roydon and Sheering at the general election - said: "This Government guidance bullies councils into using compulsory purchase powers to obtain land for these new travellers sites. 
"The Conservatives' pledge will help ensure that people living in villages and in green belt areas will have better protection against travellers should they move in to their area." 
During his visit, which saw Mr Herbert and Mr Halfon meet local councillors and business people for discussions on various issues including anti-social behaviour and nuisance youths, Mr Herbert also confirmed the Conservative policy to oppose an extra runway at Stansted. 
Mr Halfon added: "It was a good visit and important for residents of Nazeing to know that their concerns will be addressed. 
"Mr Herbert used the visit as a fact-finding mission to hear about the problems of anti-social behaviour and problem youths. He said we needed to get police out on the streets, in our neighbourhoods. 
"At the moment, 50 per cent of their time is spent with paperwork."

YOUR QUESTIONS: What Government job would you like?

13th April 2010

To: Eleanor Laing - Conservative candidate (Epping Forest) 
From: Ben Murphy, Epping

Should your party win a working majority and form the UK's next Government, what position within that Government would you ideally wish to hold?

RESPONSE

If I am fortunate enough to be re-elected as MP for Epping Forest and if David Cameron becomes Prime Minister and decides to keep me on his frontbench team, I would very much like to continue the work I have been doing as Shadow Minister for Justice. 
If I am fortunate enough to become Minister for Justice, one of the first areas we will tackle is reducing the number of MPs in the House of Commons. 
During this time of economic difficulty, we all know that savings have to be made right across the public sector. 
The business of government should be no exception. 
At present there are 650 MPs. Our plans are to reduce that by 10 per cent to 585 Members of Parliament. 
We will each take on a bit more work but a slimmed down House of Commons will be more efficient and will cost less to the taxpayer.

YOUR QUESTIONS: How can we reduce pressure on Green Belt?

11th April 2010

To: Ann Haigh - Liberal Democrat candidate (Epping Forest) 
From: Ann and Keith Miller, Epping

How would you advocate strengthening our laws to reduce pressure on the Green Belt?

RESPONSE

Firstly I believe we need to strengthen existing legislation to prevent the erosion of the green belt by developers.
Recently, this took place in Grange Hill, Chigwell, where flats were built on green belt land. 
Secondly, in areas not in the green belt, but in rural areas of outstanding beauty there is a need for protection. 
For example, the destruction of the rural countryside, villages and churches in order to build an additional runway at Stanstead.

HARLOW: Halfon launches Battle Van

11th April 2010

PROSPECTIVE Harlow Conservative MP Robert Halfon has launched his Battle Van as the general election campaign is about to enter its second week. 
Mr Halfon, who is contesting the seat for the third time, has also unveiled his campaign song - Elton John's 'I'm Still Standing. 
Dozens of supporters joined Mr Halfon at the launch of the Battle Van which will be touring the streets of Harlow, and the surrounding villages of Hastingwood, Matching, Nazeing, Roydon and Sheering between now and polling day on Thursday, May 6. 
Mr Halfon said: "I'm received extraordinary support from a host of volunteers - I can't thank them all enough for what they are doing to help me. We have had a fantastic day knocking on doors and leafleting - and in the sunshine too. 
"The Battle Van will be a great asset helping to spread the word around the constituency in the days ahead."

EPPING FOREST: Hustings date confirmed

10th April 2010

A GENERAL election hustings will be held at St John's Church, Epping, at 8pm on Wednesday, April 28.
It is intended that the questions posed to candidates will be, firstly, concerned with moral issues and the religious concerns of those present. 
Thereafter, if time permits, it will be possible to move on to more general questions. 
It is proposed that candidates should restrict their responses to about one minute (90 seconds at the outside) to give all candidates the opportunity to explain their positions. 
It is intended that the meeting should close by about 10pm. 
The chairman will be Rev Lee Carmichael, Pastor of the Elim Pentecostal Church, Epping.

HARLOW: Shadow Secretary praises Harlow Gymnastics Club

10th April 2010

THE Shadow Secretary of State for International Development, Andrew Mitchell MP, has praised the work of a Harlow club which he says is "rooted in the community". 
Mr Mitchell, at the invitation of prospective Harlow Conservative MP Robert Halfon, visited Harlow Gymnastics Club at Sumners Leisure Centre, Broadley Road, Harlow, on Friday evening. 
During his visit he also met Harlow paralympian Anne-Wafula Strike and learnt more about her overseas aid work in Africa. 
Mr Mitchell said: "I was delighted to be invited by Robert to visit Harlow Gymnastics Club. This is a club that is rooted in the community and is based on excellence. The young children did a superb display. 
"I was also pleased to meet with Anne-Wafula Strike, a paralympian who is doing important overseas aid in Africa." 
Mr Halfon, who is contesting the Harlow seat which includes Hastingwood, Matching, Nazeing, Roydon and Sheering, said: "I was delighted to be able to invite Andrew to Harlow and see the wonderful work which is being done by Harlow Gymnastics Club to provide activities for local people. 
"We were privileged to see a superb display by the club's members, all of whom obviously thoroughly enjoy their sport and get a great thrill out of being able to demonstrate what they have learnt from the dedicated and committed coaches. "The club is just one of the numerous local organisations which we have in Harlow which are committed to working with and for the local community."

BRENTWOOD AND ONGAR: Greens fighting first campaign

9th April 2010

THE Green Party is contesting the Brentwood and Ongar seat for the first time.
Candidate Jess Barnecutt, 27, grew up in Ongar where she now lives. 
She is a maths teacher at King Harold School, Waltham Abbey, having previously taught at Sawyers Hall College and Brentwood Ursuline School. 
Jess is campaigning to protect public services and improve pensions. 
She said: "The Green Party's manifesto, 'Fair is worth fighting for' will challenge the consensus among the big three parties that spending cuts are necessary. 
"The Greens will be offering an investment package for massive job-creation to see off the recession once and for all, and we will show how to pay for it. We will also show how to protect and improve the NHS, and how to give British pensioners the best deal on offer." 
Jess added: "Many people have been asking: ‘who is there to vote for if the Conservatives, Lib Dems and Labour are all committed to spending cuts deeper than during Thatcher’s time.’ 
"Some seem to be throwing their hands up in despair , but it’s our job to start building a political alternative. It will take time here in Ongar, but nationally having won seats in the European Parliament, it is achievable. 
"Greens in other parts of the country have been successful. There are three times as many Green councillors as ten years ago. Real political change doesn’t happen overnight but if voters really want that change it can be achieved with perseverance. 
"If you’ve decided the big three parties can’t deliver, you can start voting Green in Brentwood now."

HARLOW: Tory launches mobile website            

8th April 2010

NEWS about Harlow prospective Conservative MP Robert Halfon's general election campaigning can now be accessed via a mobile phone. 
A mobile version of his new website - www.roberthalfon.com - has now been launched. 
To read his 'latest news' items simply enter mobile.roberthalfon.com into the web browser of your mobile phone.
Mr Halfon, who is contesting the Harlow seat which includes Hastingwood, Nazeing, Matching, Roydon and Sheering, said: "This general election is the first to heavily feature social networking with candidates and their parties using all sorts of media - including Twitter and Facebook - to get their messages across."
He added: "I am a great fan of social networking sites and mobile technology and hope people will visit my mobile website to keep up-to-date with my campaigning across the constituency in the weeks leading up to polling day on May 6. It is a great way to keep people informed when they are on the move."
The website www.roberthalfon.com continues to be regularly updated with items and information. Visitors can view two videos, including one featuring A Day in The Life of Robert Halfon in the Harlow constituency. 
There are also interviews with local people who will be voting Conservative for the first time in this general election, and an archive of news articles. 
Visitors can register to receive regular email updates.

EPPING FOREST: Greens target local economy            

7th April 2010

EPPING Forest Green Party prospective candidate Simon Pepper has launched his local economy campaign. 
He was in Queens Road, Buckhurst Hill, on Saturday campaigning for the introduction of a ‘local business zone’ in Epping Forest, granting lower rates to independent traders. 
A party spokesman said that at present properties with a rateable value of £18,000 or more (as of April 1, 2010) are not entitled to Small Business Rate Relief (SBBR). 
He added that this figure is determined by location, rather than the size of the business itself, making it harder for locally-run businesses to compete with chain stores and micro-format supermarkets, which are on the rise in Epping Forest. 
The Green Party also wants to raise awareness of businesses’ entitlement under the current system of rate relief.
The spokesman said Epping Forest has one of the lowest take-ups in Essex with only 45.3 per cent of small businesses claiming in the district, compared with 59.7 per cent across the county in 2008.

YOUR QUESTIONS: Why so many traveller sites?            

7th April 2010

To: Eleanor Laing - Conservative candidate (Epping Forest) 
From: Anon (name and address supplied) 

Why is Epping Forest being required to provide proportionately more sites for gypsies and travellers than anywhere else in the east of England?

RESPONSE:

Epping Forest District Council already provides a very large number of sites for the use of gypsies and travellers. 
The Labour Government has decided that this is not sufficient provision and has, therefore, required the district council to provide even more sites. 
One of the reasons given by the Labour Government is that they consulted representatives of the gypsies and travellers who say that they do not want sites in the rural parts of Essex or further afield because they want to be within easy reach of local services and transport provision such as that which is available here in Epping Forest. 
I would argue that that Government ought to listen to local people before they listen to the gypsies and travellers but the Labour Government made the decision to put the needs of the gypsies and travellers before the needs of the local settled community.

VOTE 2010: General election preview            

5th April 2010

The three local parliamentary constituencies are currently held by two Conservative MPs and a Labour MP. But could that change? 

EPPING FOREST: Conservative Eleanor Laing will be hoping to retain her seat for the fourth time, having seen her majority increase in each of the last three general elections. 
From a 5,252-majority in 1997, she achieved a 14,358-majority over Labour in 2005. 
Two Epping Forest district councillors - Ann Haigh (Liberal Democrat) and Pat Richardson (BNP) - are among the seven candidates so far selected for the constituency, part of which was once held by Winston Churchill. 
Other confirmed candidates are Katie Curtis (Labour), Simon Pepper (Green), Kim Sawyer (English Democrats) and Andrew Smith (UKIP). 

HARLOW: The national media spotlight will be on Harlow where Conservative candidate Robert Halfon hopes it will be third time lucky. 
Having first stood in 2001, Mr Halfon failed by just 97 votes to take Labour MP Bill Rammell's seat five years ago. 
Mr Rammell, who will be contesting his fifth general election, has held the seat since he beat Jerry Hayes (Conservative) with a 10,514 majority in 1997. 
Four candidates are so far confirmed for the seat, which includes Hastingwood, Matching Tye, Nazeing, Roydon and Sheering. 
On the ballot paper with Robert Halfon and Bill Rammell are Eddy Butler (BNP), John Croft (UKIP) and David White (Liberal Democrat). 

BRENTWOOD AND ONGAR: The chairmen of two national political parties are among the candidates in Brentwood and Ongar. 
Eric Pickles has held the safe Conservative seat since 1992. 
Nine years ago the constituency hit the headlines when BBC news correspondent and Independent candidate Martin Bell reduced the majority to 2,821. 
This time Mr Pickles, the Conservative Party chairman, is up against Robin Tilbrook, chairman of the English Democrats Party. 
Heidi Benzing (Labour), David Kendall (Liberal Democrat), Michael McGough (UKIP) and Paul Morris (BNP) are also confirmed as candidates.

YOUR QUESTIONS: What have you done for Epping Forest?            

4th April 2010

To: Eleanor Laing - Conservative candidate (Epping Forest) 
From Ann and Keith Miller, Epping 

What would you claim to be your major success in Parliament that has directly benefited your electorate?

RESPONSE:

One of the difficult things about being in Opposition in Parliament is that almost everything that an Opposition MP tries to do is voted down by the Government.
One of the areas in which I have been very involved is in developing a legislative framework to support equality.
I truly believe, and have said so many times in Parliament, that people should not be discriminated against on grounds of race or age or gender or sexual orientation or religion or disability. 
I believe that putting this framework in place is a step in the right direction to create a fairer society for everyone.

YOUR QUESTIONS: Is community medicine just cost-cutting?            

4th April 2010

To: Eleanor Laing - Conservative candidate (Epping Forest) and Robert Halfon - Conservative candidate (Harlow) 
From Chris Carr (Mrs) 

We have seen in the press and on television that there will have to be budget cuts across the public sector.
 In the last health proposals there is the initiative for more community medicine - this will enable those with long-term chronic conditions to be treated in their homes and prevent hospital admissions.
I am concerned that this is not just seen as a cost-cutting exercise, saving money for the hospitals. 
I would like to see that all politicians will want to ensure that those who are to be involved in running this community medicine are given an appropriate budget and support to ensure that they can do their job effectively without being overloaded with work. 
What is the attitude of candidates towards community medicine, and how would they ensure that the service is properly budgeted and staffed in order to run an effective service?

RESPONSE:

Robert Halfon writes:

Harlow needs community medicine, because our town has deep-seated health problems - and yet our NHS lacks the funding it desperately needs. 
This year West Essex PCT is struggling with the 20th worst deficit in the UK, and has a blackhole of nearly £2 million in its accounts. Also, our hospitals are under severe pressure. However, there is hope. 
The Conservatives are promising extra NHS spending each year, plus resources directed to towns with serious health inequalities, such as Harlow. We will also avoid Labour's hike in National Insurance contributions - a tax on jobs - that will take an extra £200m out of the NHS every year. 
We have pledged 4,200 extra health vistors for Childrens' Centres, and have promised to protect Sure Start. 
We want to scrap Labour's industry of bureaucratic targets, and focus instead on outcomes. 
Community medicine has an important role to play in these plans, and I am sure it will figure prominently if we win the election, because Harlow has high rates of lung cancer and alcohol-related mortality. 
Sadly there is also a problem with obesity, and some wards in Harlow have a low life expectancy compared to the national average. 
Labour's targets haven't helped Harlow. Community medicine will help us to focus on outcomes in people's lives - survival rates and quality of life - and this is where we should concentrate our resources.

Eleanor Laing writes:
I agree with the points made by Robert Halfon. 
I would like to congratulate Mrs Carr on all the work that she does for Epping Forest and Harlow Breathe Easy, the charity which helps sufferers of lung disease. 
I agree that community medicine is a very important element in combating many medical conditions and in helping people to deal with medical problems. Unfortunately, Robert Halfon’s point about funding, both in West Essex PCT and in general, are correct. 
I cannot promise that a Conservative government will put in more money to community medicine. 
What I can promise is that I will stand up for people who are doing excellent work, both professionally and voluntarily, in our local community and see that money is spent in the front line and not in unnecessary government bureaucracy.

YOUR QUESTIONS: Why should I vote Lib Dem?            

4th April 2010

To: David White - Liberal Democrat candidate (Harlow)
 From: David Pracy, Nazeing

I'm not a party political animal but am interested in politics and a genuine floating voter. 
I'm very disillusioned with the two main parties and would like to vote for the Lib Dems, who seem to me rather less corrupt. 
However, I'm in the Harlow constituency where it's always a straight Labour-Tory fight, with the Lib Dems a distant third.
I've looked at the Lib Dem website, which seems to consist entirely of an attack on the Conservative-controlled Harlow Council. 
Fair enough, but can David White give me any positive reasons for voting Lib Dem in the General Election?

RESPONSE:

A reply is awaited

EPPING FOREST: Chamber hosting political debate            

29th March 2010

GENERAL election candidates in Epping Forest will be taking part in a breakfast debate.
Epping Forest Chamber of Commerce is hosting the political debate at Woolston Manor, Chigwell, at 7.30am on Wednesday, April 21.
Local businesses can air their concerns about the financial crisis, boom and bust, and swingeing increases in business rates.
Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing will answer questions and debate burning issues both local and national.
Other attendees will include Ann Haigh (Liberal Democrats), Robin Tilbrook (English Democrats) and Andrew Smith (UKIP).
Representatives from all the local political parties have been invited.
Admission is £12 for members (guests £15) which includes full English, continental or Vegetarian breakfast.
To book place, ring 0843 289 8184; email secretary@eppingchamber.co.uk  or visit www.eppingchamber.co.uk 

VOTE 2010: General election coverage            

24th March 2010

VOTE 2010 features general election news from the three local constituencies - Epping Forest, Harlow and Brentwood and Ongar. 
Find out what the local candidates think of a key local or national issue. Email your question, with the name of the candidate you wish to respond, to everythingvote2010@googlemail.com
All questions and responses will be published on this page. 
Website visitors can comment on the responses with this VOTE 2010 section developing into an online forum while also providing regularly updated news from the campaign trail.

EPPING FOREST: Church hustings planned            

16th March 2010

CHURCH leaders in Epping and District will hold a general election hustings in the run-up to polling day. 
Letters have been sent to local branches of the Conservative Party, Labour Party and Liberal Democrats Party inviting their candidates to take part in the hustings planned for St John's Church, Epping. 
Seven candidates have been so far been selected to contest the seat. 
Subjects set to be addressed could include candidates’ position on such moral issues as the sanctity of human life, the education of our children in such matters and the support to be expected from our government in protecting the rights of all citizens - particularly the old and infirm.

EPPING FOREST: Greens name candidate            

15th March 2010

A TEACHER at Chigwell School has been selected by Epping Forest Green Party to contest the Epping Forest seat. 
Simon Pepper was born in Enfield in 1983 and lives in Grange Hill. He teaches politics at Chigwell School. Mr Pepper said: "I joined the Green Party to create a fairer and more just society. I believe in sustainable living, environmental conservation and localism, the idea that one should create self-sustaining viable local communities, so I would support locally-owned businesses, local schools and the health service." 
He added: "I believe I have the necessary skills to actively participate in the national debate and to challenge the complacency of mainstream politics in Britain to face the challenges of the 21st century."

EPPING FOREST: Councillor stands for BNP            

12th March 2010

DISTRICT councillor Pat Richardson will stand for the BNP in Epping Forest at the general election. 
Mrs Richardson, the BNP group leader on the district council, is the British National Party's first Jewish councillor. 
A posting on the BNP's district blog states: "Pat is the first choice of candidates for the branch to stand in Epping Forest and completes the trio that the branch is fielding in this year's elections." 
She is standing alongside Eddie Butler in Harlow and Paul Morris in Brentwood and Ongar.
"The branch is moving from strength to strength at the moment and is eagerly awaiting the elections. 
"After the Euro elections last year the interest, enquiries and increase in membership has allowed the formation of Harlow branch and the increase in in support in Brentwood as well means the expansion program for the British National Party in the county as a whole is reasonably secured. 
"Essex will be standing a healthy amount of candidates in these elections and the British National Party is expecting to be showing good growth in support and votes from areas that have previously never been challenged.". 

HARLOW: Town headquarters for Labour            

8th March 2010

THE East of England Labour Party has opened its General Election headquarters in Harlow. 
Full-time staff backed up by volunteers will use new offices in Flex Meadow as a hub for the Harlow campaign to get Bill Rammell re-elected as well as other General Election activities for the east of England region. 
Regional staff and local Labour Party activists joined Mr Rammell on Saturday for the official opening of the new premises before setting off for an afternoon of speaking to voters. 
Mr Rammell said: "I’m glad the regional party are basing themselves in Harlow. As well as the valuable resources they’ll provide at this important time, it is a real vote of confidence in the Harlow campaign. 
"This election is a straight choice between having a Labour Government, investing in the future, or a Tory Government that would put our fragile economic recovery at grave risk. 
"It is in towns like Harlow where that choice will be made - it is up to voters here to help decide the future of our country. So, of course, I'm extremely glad that the Labour Party campaign is stepping up a gear and has moved to Harlow. 
"This new office will allow me and my campaign team to contact and speak to as many Harlow residents as we possibly can about the important choice that the coming General Election represents." 
A spokesman for the East of England Labour Party said: "We are delighted to be in Harlow and recognise there are strong Labour roots here. 
"Much that the town has to offer would not exist without the dedication and hard work of Labour councillors and Harlow’s Labour MP, Bill Rammell." 
The new regional offices include telephone banks for canvassers, printing facilities, meeting rooms and other facilities that will be vital for the Labour Party in the forthcoming General Election. 

HARLOW: Shadow Ministers support Halfon            

1st March 2010

CONSERVATIVE Robert Halfon's campaign to win the Harlow seat was given a huge boost as 12 Conservative MPs visited the town today (Monday). 
The MPs included Braintree MP Brooks Newmark, Shadow Cabinet Secretary Oliver Letwin, Shadow Home Office Minister and Romford MP Andrew Rosindell, and a host of others. 
The MPs spent the day in Harlow canvassing and leafleting. 
Robert Halfon said: "I was delighted so many Conservative MPs came to Harlow. This is a real boost to the campaign and just shows how seriously the Conservatives see Harlow as one of the most important constituencies in the country." 
Mr Halfon also took John Hayes, Shadow Higher Education Minister, to visit Harlow College where they met with the principal, Colin Hindmarch, and two deputy principals and staff. In a long discussion. 
Mr Hayes set out Conservative plans for 100,000 extra further education places for students and 100,000 extra apprenticeship places should a Conservative Government be elected. 
Mr Hayes said: "I was very pleased to be invited by Robert to visit Harlow FE College. After a turbulent time a couple of years ago the college is now going from strength to strength and has achieved some wonderful results. I pay tribute to the staff and students for their success." 
Mr Halfon said: "It was important that John visited the college and I invited him because it is so fundamental to Harlow. 
"I am really pleased that the college has had some great results and I look forward to seeing further academic successes in the months and years ahead." 

HARLOW: Blunkett backs Rammell's campaign            

1st March 2010

WELL-known Labour MP David Blunkett was guest of honour at the launch of Harlow Labour Party’s General Election campaign. 
Last Thursday's event attracted about 100 members and supporters and raised over £1,000 in donations from attendees for the party’s general election campaign fund. 
Harlow MP Bill Rammell and Mr Blunkett worked together to rally support for the general election as they outlined the choice voters face in Harlow in the upcoming General Election. 
Mr Blunkett said: "It will be the marginal constituencies like Harlow which will decide the next Government. 
"Voters now have a choice - will they risk the investment which has gone into Harlow which has brought facilities like the Harlow Leisurezone, the new football stadium, the new ARU university campus and town centre regeneration, to a Tory Government intent on making swingeing cuts? 
"They need to judge which party best represents their values. The Labour Party which believes in social justice and help for the poor and mainstream middle and the Conservative Party which believes in tax cuts for the richest few." 
He added: "Bill Rammell is an excellent constituency MP who has worked every day of his adult life to make Harlow a better place and I am proud to support him at the launch event tonight." 
Mr Rammell said: "The launch was a great event and I am thankful to those who came as well to David Blunkett for sharing his perspective on the upcoming election. 
"There was a really positive atmosphere and people are starting to appreciate the gravity of the choice they face. 
"Here in Harlow we have a Tory council which shows a clear blueprint for how a Tory Government would behave in office, cutting funding for services like the advice centre, the Leah Manning Centre, grant aid for voluntary organisations and sheltered housing at a time when people who rely on these services need help the most. 
"I truly believe that if Tories can cut services this quickly and with this much severity locally, just imagine what they are capable of if they get into Government." 
The event also saw members and supporters sign up to work to support Mr Rammell and the Labour Party in the election campaign. 

BRENTWOOD AND ONGAR: BNP candidate            

24th February 2010

A FORMER Davenant Foundation School pupil will contest the Brentwood and Ongar seat at the general election for the British National Party. 
Epping Forest branch organiser Paul Morris also attended Epping Forest College. 
He went on to work for some ten years in the petro-chemical industry specialising in the construction and installation of flexible pipelines and related technologies. 
He has been a specialist engineering contractor to most of the petro-chemical companies and has worked in some extremely dangerous and high risk and adverse environments both on and off-shore. 
Mr Morris is a family-orientated man and has concentrated in domestic building and construction since the 1990s. While engaged in the building industry, 
Mr Morris has witnessed first-hand the effects of the recession and the mass influx of workers into the construction industry. 
He has seen the changes that this has brought about to both his customers and other traders. 
He said: "Our services are facing severe cuts, the NHS is at its breaking point, we have the lowest paid pensions in Europe, local people are struggling for housing and jobs, education is mired with political correctness, the roads are crumbling away yet most politicians are too scared to defend or just ignore any issue that doesn’t have a diversity implication." 

BRENTWOOD AND ONGAR: Lib Dem stands again            

24th February 2010

LIBERAL Democrat David Kendall will be contesting his second general election when he stands in Brentwood and Ongar. 
Mr Kendall has lived in Brentwood for over 20 years and has been a councillor for most of that time. 
He is Liberal Democrat group leader and official leader of the opposition on Brentwood Borough Council. 
He represented Brentwood West for 16 years and has represented Pilgrims Hatch since 2007, where he gained a seat from the Tories in a by-election by 61 votes, and then was returned in 2008 with an increased majority of 382. 
Mr Kendall is also an active member of Brentwood Chamber of Commerce and a key committee member of the Brentwood Bus and Rail Users Association. 
He won a county council seat from the Conservatives in June 2009, winning the Brentwood South Division, and has been a member of the Liberal Party (later Liberal Democrats) since 1975. 
Mr Kendall's partner is fellow Brentwood borough councillor Karen Chilvers. 
He was the party's agent at the 1997 General Election and parliamentary candidate in 2001 when he stood against sitting MP Eric Pickles and Independent candidate Martin Bell. 

HARLOW: UKIP name candidate            

24th February 2010

THE Broxbourne and Harlow branch of the UK Independence Party have adopted John Croft as their general election candidate for the Harlow constituency. 
Mr Croft has an extensive political pedigree, including serving on Haringey, Southend and Waltham Forest Councils, and chairing Boards of Governors of schools and technical colleges.
The Harlow constituency covers Harlow, Hastingwood, Nazeing, Roydon and Sheering. 

BRENTWOOD AND ONGAR: Two chairmen stand            

23rd February 2010

THE chairmen of two political parties will be contesting the Brentwood and Ongar seat at the general election. 
English Democrats national chairman Robin Tilbrook will be up against Conservative Party chairman Eric Pickles. 
Mr Tilbrook, a local solicitor, has lived in the constituency for many years and has been active in local causes. 
He has been a legal advisor at both Brentwood and Epping Citizens Advice Bureau. He is also a former church warden and former chairman of his local church council, and has been an active campaigner to protect our local countryside against inappropriate development. 
Mr Tilbrook said: “I am delighted to have this opportunity to represent my local constituency. If elected I shall represent the interests of our constituency, but also I will continue to campaign tirelessly for England’s interests to be properly looked after." 
He added: “The tired old British Establishment Clans seem to dislike England and are happy to waste English taxpayers’ money on subsidising the EU, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, which collectively, according to the latest and verified official figures, costs every year, £61bn of English taxpayers’ money.
"Cutting these subsidies would, at a stroke, save more money than any other party’s proposals to save money without making any cuts in English services. Indeed we could have more money to spend on our people here in Brentwood and Ongar!” 

HARLOW: BNP to contest seat            

8th February  2010

HARLOW Conservative parliamentary candidate Robert Halfon says the BNP will not "hoodwink" electors after it announced it will contest the seat at the general election. Mr Halfon condemned the news that there would be a BNP candidate - BNP national organiser Eddy Butler, who lives in Loughton.
He said: "The truth is there is nothing British about the BNP and it is no wonder senior British Army officers have condemned the organisation.
"The BNP is a National Socialist Party (Nazi) which seeks to exploit disharmony for their own ends."
He added: "I do not believe they will hoodwink Harlow residents who whilst outraged at Gordon Brown's failure to get to grips on immigration problems, are determined to vote in a Government which will do something about it, rather than opt for an extremist fringe movement that will make matters even worse."
Mr Butler described Mr Rammell as a "Euro fanatic" adding: "Luckily, it is extremely unlikely Mr Rammell will resume his seat after the next election. He has the third smallest majority of any Labour MP, only 97 votes."
He added: "I know Harlow very well. All the problems seen in London are fast appearing out here now, and many local people came to Harlow to get away from all that. "When I attended the count in Harlow last June the BNP votes were very impressive. Harlow is a fast developing area for the British National Party in Essex and I hope that my campaign in this seat will establish us in an even stronger position."
Mr Rammell said: "I abhor the policies of the BNP, a party which directly descends from Hitler’s Nazis.
"The BNP uses fear to divide ordinary people when their interests are served by coming together. I believe the majority of people who vote for the BNP are not racist, just disillusioned by the main political parties.
"It’s now up to my party and others to reach out to voters in the lead up to the next general election and convince people that the BNP will never be an alternative in Harlow."