Epping Forest Conservatives
These are extraordinarily turbulent times in British politics. You may well be thinking that it is inconvenient to have a General Election in December, at a time when you would prefer to concentrate on planning for and enjoying the Festive Season. We need this Election, however, to replace the current “hung parliament” with a strong government that can make positive decisions. Whether you voted “leave” or “remain” back in 2016, most people here in Epping Forest tell me that they want Parliament to honour the result of the Referendum. That is what Boris Johnson wants to do. But he can only do it if he is backed up by a solid majority of Conservative MPs. This Election gives you the chance to play your part in ending the indecision and setting our great country on course for a bright future. It gives us all the chance to vote for the things we care about, such as more money for the NHS, more police officers on our streets and more resources for every school. So, come on, let’s back Boris, get Brexit done and grasp the opportunities that lie ahead! I sincerely hope that I can count on your vote on Thursday, 12th December.
Dame Eleanor Laing Investiture
Dame Eleanor Laing has attended an investiture at Buckingham Palace to receive her Damehood from HRH the Duke of Cambridge.
Dame Eleanor, who was made a Dame in the Queen's Birthday Honours List, has been the Member of Parliament for Epping Forest for 21 years - was a Shadow Minister for 12 years and has been a Deputy Speaker for more than four-and-a-half years.
She was appointed a member of the Privy Council, the formal body of advisers to the Queen, last November.
Dame Eleanor said: "It was a great privilege to be invited to Buckingham Palace where Prince William performed the investiture ceremony making me a 'Dame Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire'.
"Prince William was charming and we had a very pleasant conversation about my role as Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons.
"It was really impressive and often touching to see a number of really wonderful people receiving honours for their selfless commitment to various good causes.
"It was lovely to see how proud their families were of them.