The local Liberal Democrat team are celebrating a remarkable victory after FOCUS team members Nick Bason and Jane Morgan beat off the challenge of the Conservatives in Iain Duncan-Smith’s constituency to be elected to the Council as the new members for Hale End and Highams Park
Jane and Nick polled 1298 and 1295 votes respectively to take victory, retaining the seats won in 2006 by John Beanse and Noel Penstone in 2006. Fellow Lib Dem Sheila Smith-Pryor completes the council team line-up for the ward.
Senior Liberal Democrat Simon Hughes MP (pictured above) joined Sheila recently to meet local residents and give his support to the campaign.
Here’s what our new councillors have to say…
JANE MORGAN
I have lived in the ward for nearly 30 years and have been actively engaged with community work during that time through the Liberal Democrats.
I teach music in local schools and I am a coordinator of ‘Sing Up’, a project which encourages music and singing amongst primary school children. I have an 18-year-old son at University.
As an active community member I am a regular attendee at the local Neighbourhood Watch and a frequent contributor at Community Council and Police Panel meetings.
Residents have always told me they appreciate the work the local Lib Dem Council team carry out through our surgeries and FOCUS leaflets and I want to ensure that work is able to continue on behalf of residents.
As a new councillor I want to carry on the unrivalled community work undertaken by John Beanse, Noel Penstone and Sheila Smith-Pryor.
NICK BASON
I live in the local area with my wife and I currently work for a disability rights organisation called Employers’ Forum on Disability. I have previously worked as an independent elections adviser, working with community, housing and regeneration projects across the UK.
As a member of the Liberal Democrat team I am proud of the work we have done for Hale End and Highams Park residents. We are happy to be judged on that record of campaigning and responding rapidly and effectively to every resident who raises a problem or an issue with us.
The work of the Lib Dem team and the commitment to contact with local residents through the FOCUS leaflet has shown the positive, practical work that Lib Dem councillors do for our area.
Myself, Sheila and Jane will continue to work for residents all year round – not just when there is an election on.