The Liberal Democrat candidate for Witham launched his campaign ahead of next month’s general election.

Sam North, a former police officer, was outside Witham Police Station.

He said he has experienced first hand the terrible effects budget cuts had on the force, which has seen a loss of more than 20,000 officers.

Sam said: “The Conservatives have lost all claim to be the party of law and order.

“I know exactly how damaging the cuts driven through by Priti Patel and the rest of her party since 2015 have been, they have pushed the force to its knees.

“The voters of Witham demand better from their MP.”

The candidates for Witham are Priti Patel (Con) and Martin Edobor (Lab).

The Green Party are expected to announce their candidate today (November 8).

The Brexit Party are yet to announce their candidate.

Voters will head to the polls on December 12.