The Liberal Democrats have selected a "fierce community champion" to be their new Hertsmere parliamentary candidate.

Emma Matanle, a policy analyst who previously worked for the UN, has launched her candidacy for the constituency, which is currently represented by Conservative MP Oliver Dowden.

The local party were also gathered, in King George Recreation Ground, Bushey, to kick off their local election campaign on Saturday, February 25.

The prospective MP said: “I am absolutely delighted to be selected by the Hertsmere Liberal Democrats to be their candidate in the next general election.

“Residents have told me that the cost of living crisis is really tough for them, and they’re concerned about the development threat to local fields and farmland.

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“Every day I’m hearing about the collapse of local bus services, the hundreds of potholes on our disintegrating roads, and how neither the borough nor county councils - both Tory controlled - are delivering for the people of Hertsmere.”

Watford Observer: Emma Matanle, Daisy Cooper, with local Liberal Democrat membersEmma Matanle, Daisy Cooper, with local Liberal Democrat members (Image: Liberal Democrats)

St Albans MP Daisy Cooper added: “Emma is a fierce community champion, setting up a campaign to demand fairer funding for local schools and helping to deliver a new eco-friendly community centre.

“As a legal analyst and former UN aid worker, who has raised her family in Herts over the last 25 years, Emma has the experience to take the fight to the Conservatives at the next election.”