THE Braintree branch of the Liberal Democrats has appointed a new parliamentary spokesman.

Peter Turner has devoted much of his life to public service and spent more than 20 years as a district and parish councillor in Black Notley before he moved to Long Melford in Suffolk.

The fostering company director will now be responsible for communicating the local branch's position on issues.

Peter has spent years working in children's services and he has also worked in London’s former docks, gas and timber industries and for a film company.

Gillian Collings, constituency chair for the Liberal Democrats, said: "At a time when people are somewhat cynical of politicians it is good to work with someone with such integrity and life experience. "Peter is a very principled individual and proud of his liberal values.”

Peter has previously contested the Braintree constituency for the party twice, coming in third place.

He said: A cross party approach to planning health and social care is vital.

"Similar to housing and education key public services have become victims of political dogma.

"We need to take an objective sensible long term view instead of political point scoring.”