The new Epsom & Ewell borough council

The new Epsom & Ewell borough council will look very different.

For one thing, half the members are new. We wish them all well. We trust they will find being an elected councillor an interesting and rewarding experience - and bear in mind they were elected to serve the interests of all the residents of this great borough.

For another, for the first time in 35 years there will be no Liberals or Liberal Democrats. With 31 RA councillors, it will fall to just 4 Conservatives and 3 Labour party members to provide the checks and balance of a constructive opposition.

The next 4 years seem unlikely to be an easy time for councils, despite a welcome change of the secretary of state responsible for Local Government. We are sorry none of our candidates will be there to share the problems. As a local party, we will, however, be watching with continued interest.