North West Essex Liberal Democrat candidate Smita Rajesh is calling for change in her general election campaign.

Ms Rajesh says she is putting local issues "at the heart" of her campaign - focusing on the three major issues people have told her on their doorsteps: Reducing long NHS waiting lists, tackling the cost-of-living crisis and stopping raw sewage being dumped in rivers.

She said: "For years, North West Essex has been let down by an out-of-touch Conservative Government that has lurched from crisis to crisis. Now it’s time for a change!

"Enough is enough. This is our chance to realise our united hopes for a better future.

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"If elected, I will stand up for our community. Every vote for the Liberal Democrats is a vote for me and a party that will stand up for our local NHS services, protect the environment, and give people the fair deal they deserve."

Ms Rajesh, who said it was an "honour" to represent her community, lives with her husband and children in Chelmsford, where she is a well-known local councillor.

Other candidates running in the election are Kemi Badenoch (Conservatives), Erik Bonino (independent), Edward Gildea (Green), Andrew David Green (independent), Niko Omilana (independent) and Issy Waite (Labour).