James Rideout is the Liberal Democrat candidate for the council by-election in Harlow Common on 12 June. The by-election is caused by the sad death of former councillor Greg Peck. Greg was completely committed to Harlow Common and as Harlow Common's new councillor James has pledged to continue that commitment.

James and the team have been out and about meeting residents across the ward. James says:

"In Harlow's elections on 1 May, every single Labour candidate was defeated. Labour now have only six councillors left in Harlow, and are the third party, behind the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives locally and nationally.

It's clear that Harlow residents want to send the Government a strong message. They're fed up with spin over substance. The abolition of the 10p tax rate without a thought for those on low incomes. The crisis in housing without a thought for young people, first-time buyers and low-income tenants. The pressure on local councils towards high council tax without a thought for those who cannot afford it - especially among the elderly and those on fixed incomes.

The Conservatives have no answers. They didn't oppose the Government in scrapping the 10p tax rate, though the Liberal Democrats did. They backed Blair's war in Iraq. Their record on our local schools and roads is appalling.

It's the Liberal Democrats who make the difference - locally and nationally. We've championed the environment. When Labour would have signed away council homes under regeneration schemes like the ones in Prentice Place and Clifton Hatch, it was the Liberal Democrats who got the council to look again. A Liberal Democrat government would replace council tax with a fair system based on ability to pay.

This by-election can't change who runs the council. But as a resident of Harlow Common, your vote can send a strong message on Thursday 12 June. Your vote for the Liberal Democrats will say how badly Labour have let us down, locally and nationally.
It will also say you're not prepared to let the Conservatives damage Harlow Council services in the same way that they've damaged Essex County Council services. It's the Conservatives who are closing Brays Grove School, risked the future of The Square and let our roads and paving crumble.

If you elect me on 12 June, I will be part of a strong team listening to, and working for, local people. Unlike other parties, the Liberal Democrats aren't funded by big business or the trade unions. So we're free to put YOU first."

Harlow's Liberal Democrat leader Cllr Chris Millington has given an initial welcome to the publication of the latest revision of the East of England Plan. The Plan sets out the future location of housing, employment and infrastructure such as transport for the East of England region, including Harlow. Chris Millington says:

"The Plan is stronger in a number of key areas that we have long argued for - protection of the green wedges, decisions to be taken locally, the critical need for affordable housing and a more coherent approach to tackling the town's transport problems. I also welcome the understanding by the Government that any development needs to be sustainable and deliver greater opportunities for Harlow people."

The latest version of the Plan emphasises the need for Harlow, Epping Forest and East Hertfordshire councils to work together to agree where development will take place around the town. A joint statement on the Plan has been issued by Harlow's political leaders.

Liberal Democrats on Harlow Council have re-elected Cllr Chris Millington as their Group Leader, and Cllr Robert Thurston as Deputy Group Leader, at their first meeting since the 1 May elections.

Cllr Eleanor Macy was elected Group Chairman, and Cllr Lorna Spenceley Group Secretary. Speaking to the meeting, Cllr Chris Millington said:

"It is important that as we embark on our new role as official opposition, we should reflect on the successes of our six years of influence on Harlow Council. These include the council's improved financial control and stability; the massive increase in the recycling rate from the 4 per cent we inherited from Labour; the significant improvements to the council's housing service; and the joint venture with Kier Harlow.

With Labour now in third place across the town, the Liberal Democrats must seize the opportunity to be the real opposition to the Conservatives on Harlow Council."

Harlow's Liberal Democrats gained two seats from Labour, following a spectacular meltdown by Labour in the May local elections. Manny Doku won in Bush Fair, increasing the Liberal Democrat majority there to over 200. And Nick Macy returns to the council in Mark Hall, unseating Labour's Sean Folan and again increasing the Liberal Democrat majority.

Labour, who were defending four seats this year, came away with nothing - leaving them in third place on the council with only six seats, their smallest ever group in the town. Harlow Liberal Democrat leader Chris Millington said:

"This is a spectacular meltdown by the Labour party, reducing them to last place on the council and demonstrating just how badly Labour has let down local people."

The Conservatives, with 18 seats - including gains in Little Parndon & Hare Street, Netteswell, Staple Tye and Toddbrook - now have outright control of Harlow Council. The Liberal Democrats, with eight councillors, are now the official opposition. Cllr Millington said:

"We intend to be a vociferous opposition and will hold the Conservative council vigorously to account."

Full results are available on Harlow Council's web site.