May has been an eventful month, with local elections, community celebrations, and continued work both in Westminster and at home in Epsom, Ewell, Ashtead and Leatherhead.

The local elections on May 7th marked a significant moment, with a new Unitary Council beginning to take shape in East Surrey. I’m grateful to everyone who came out to vote, and to all the volunteers who gave up so much of their time and energy during the campaign.

Alongside the elections, it’s been a pleasure to be out in the constituency celebrating Leatherhead FC, the launch of the Go Epsom mural, and the Annual Chariot Festival at the Sri Raja Rajeswari Amman Temple in Stoneleigh. These are the moments that remind me what a vibrant and caring community we have here in Epsom and Ewell.

Parliament has been a little quieter this month amongst prorogation (the formal temporary shutdown of Parliament ahead of the State Opening of Parliament) and recess, but I was still able to advocate for small businesses in Epsom and Ewell during a debate following the King’s Speech.

Thank you, as always, for staying engaged. Please do continue to get in touch via email, phone, letter or social media (details below).

A Historic Result for Epsom and Ewell

The local election results this month were genuinely cause for celebration. Eight Liberal Democrat councillors were elected in Epsom and Ewell, and two more in Leatherhead – all of whom will now form part of the new East Surrey Unitary Council, which will come into force in April 2027. It’s a remarkable outcome, and a real testament to the dedication of our candidates and volunteers throughout the campaign.

The people of East Surrey have voted for a fresh start, and I’m thrilled to be working with such a fantastic team of local champions.

Bringing the Constituency to Westminster

Parliament belongs to everyone, and this month I was proud to host more than 100 charities, businesses and organisations from across Epsom and Ewell in Westminster for my Connecting the Constituency parliamentary reception.

It was a fantastic evening, a cross-section of our community gathered in one place, and a reminder of the grassroots talent and dedication that makes this constituency such a privilege to represent. Thank you to everyone who joined us.

The Chalk Pit: Keeping Up the Pressure

The Chalk Pit remains a serious local issue.

This month I met with Sortera, the operator at the Chalk Pit, ahead of proposed building works on the site. We discussed the retrospective planning applications submitted to Surrey County Council, and I made clear once again the frustration residents continue to feel about how these applications have been handled. We also discussed the pressing need for a new drainage system on site.

I have also written to the Environment Agency calling for action on dust levels. With summer in full swing, I understand how much this affects residents simply wanting to use their gardens and enjoy their homes.

As planning powers and enforcement responsibilities transition to the new East Surrey Unitary Council, I will do my utmost to keep residents informed and ensure their concerns continue to be heard.

Sewage at the Hogsmill: Time for Action

This month I visited the Hogsmill River after being made aware of a sewage leak along the western edge of Nonsuch Park. I was joined by Alex, a local resident who first flagged the problem, and what he described was deeply alarming.

This is not simply an environmental issue. It is a public health concern, and it cannot be allowed to continue.

As a direct result of what Alex and other local residents have reported, I have already been in contact with the Environment Agency and Thames Water to understand the full extent of the problem and to make clear that action is needed now. I will also be pushing for stronger measures in the upcoming Clean Water Bill in Parliament, because lasting change in the water industry is long overdue.

Our rivers, the wildlife that depends on them, and our communities that live alongside them deserve far better. I will continue to hold those responsible to account.

IN THE CONSTITUENCY

Congratulations to Leatherhead FC

What a moment for Leatherhead FC this year. The club won their league – the South Central Division of the Isthmian league – making history as the first time they have taken the title in 62 years. It was a brilliant achievement and thoroughly deserved.

I was delighted to join the Celebration Walk through Leatherhead town centre in early May, alongside supporters and volunteers. The pride and joy on display said everything about what a football club means to its community. Huge congratulations to everyone at the club!

Epsom Celebrates Surrey Day

Epsom hosted Surrey Day this year, and it was a wonderful occasion. The day celebrates everything that makes the county such a special place to live and work.

The highlight for me was the unveiling of a new mural at The White House on Waterloo Road – a lovely addition to the town and a fitting symbol of what Go Epsom and the wider community have built here. Well done to everyone at Go Epsom for making it such a success.

Annual Chariot Festival

I was honoured to be invited to the Annual Chariot Festival at Sri Raja Rajeswari Amman Temple. It was a joyful and vibrant occasion, and a real privilege to be welcomed so warmly by the Hindu community there.

The temple community raised an impressive £1,000 each for Age Concern and the Sunnybank Trust, a very generous gesture that speaks volumes about the community spirit at the heart of this celebration.

My thanks to everyone at the temple for such a wonderful invitation. It was a pleasure to be part of the celebration.

LOCAL NEWS

Supporting Zeve

Ten-year-old Zeve, son of Itay who many of you will know from Eden’s Bakery and The Secret Garden, was diagnosed last year with a rare and aggressive bone cancer.

There are two upcoming fundraising events that I’d love to draw your attention to. An Eve for Zeve takes place on Saturday 6th June at The Secret Garden on Lakehurst Road, Ewell, from 6pm to midnight – an evening of BBQing, a live DJ and musical bingo, with tickets available now. Then on Sunday 28th June, Danetree Primary School is hosting ZeveFest, a family fun day with live music, performances, food, inflatables and local sellers.

All funds raised go directly towards Zeve’s ongoing treatment and care, including access to therapies and clinical trials not currently available on the NHS.

If you’d like to donate or find out more, visit this Instagram page. Please do share his story if you can – every bit of support makes a difference.

Stand Up to Racism Epsom

Following the events of recent months, it is heartening to see our community come together in a positive way. Stand Up to Racism Epsom is holding a community gathering at Rosebery Park on Saturday 27th June, from 12:00 to 14:00.

The event will bring together local organisations, trade unions, community groups and residents to celebrate the diversity and inclusivity that defines Epsom and Ewell. There will be speakers and information on how to get more involved. It is a chance to show what this community is really made of. All are welcome.

Local Plan Consultation: Have Your Say Before 15th June

Last autumn, the council’s emerging Local Plan was inspected, and additional work was required before it could be considered sound. That work is now out for public consultation.

This is likely to be the final consultation on the Local Plan, which sets out how land in the borough will be used up to 2040. The deadline for responses is 15th June, and it really does matter.

Please do respond via the Epsom and Ewell Planning Policy Consultations website before the deadline, or at this link.

Happy 90th Birthday, Brian!

This month I was delighted to join members of the Epsom Male Voice Choir to help celebrate a very special occasion – the 90th birthday of Brian Fisher. Brian has given an enormous amount to the choir and to the community over the years, and it was a privilege to mark such a milestone with him and his fellow choristers. Many happy returns, Brian.

Funding for Places of Worship and Heritage Buildings

Historic England has opened two new funds that may be of interest to local organisations. The Places of Worship Renewal Fund offers grants from a £92 million programme to support urgent repairs to listed places of worship across England, with a particular focus on areas of greatest need. The fund is open to all faiths and denominations, and places of worship do not need to be on the Heritage at Risk Register to apply. The deadline for Expressions of Interest in the first round is midnight on Sunday 14th June.

The Heritage at Risk Capital Fund, worth up to £75 million, supports the repair and conservation of historic buildings and sites at risk. It is open to local authorities, charities, community interest companies and other not-for-profit organisations. The deadline for this round is midnight on Sunday 7th June.

If you think your organisation or a local building might be eligible, I would encourage you to explore both funds via the Historic England website.

IN PARLIAMENT

The King’s Speech: Not the Change the Country Needs

The King’s Speech set out the Government’s legislative agenda for the new parliamentary session, and while there are measures I welcome, I have to be honest: it does not go nearly far enough.

Voters sent a clear message at the local elections that they want real change – to tackle the cost of living, fix our NHS and social care, and clean up our communities. This King’s Speech falls short of that ambition.

There are things I’m glad to see included, such as the proscription of the IRGC, and the investment in homegrown renewable energy.

But there is much that is missing. There is no serious plan to end the social care crisis. No ambitious reset of our relationship with Europe, including the customs union that could genuinely help grow our economy. And no credible path to spending 3% of GDP on defence by 2030.

Standing Up for Small Businesses

This month I spoke in a debate on backing business to create economic growth, and used the opportunity to raise the real pressures facing small and independent businesses in Epsom and Ewell.

These businesses are the backbone of our local economy, and too many of them are struggling right now – squeezed by rising national insurance costs and the ongoing cost of living crisis, with little in the King’s Speech to offer them much reassurance. I made the case that more needs to be done, and I’ll continue pressing that point.

You can watch my intervention here.

Helping to Understand the Teacher Retention Crisis

One of the quieter but deeply damaging problems in our education system is the number of experienced teachers leaving the profession. It is, as my colleague Caroline Voaden MP puts it, like trying to fill a leaky bucket.

Caroline is leading a survey of current and former teachers to better understand why so many are leaving and what needs to change. The findings will directly inform Liberal Democrat policy on teacher retention and improving working conditions in schools.

I’ve been sharing this with schools across the constituency, and if you are a current or former teacher (or know someone who is) I’d encourage you to take part. The more responses we get, the stronger the evidence base for change.

You can complete the survey here.

PRIMARY CARE + CANCER SPOKESPERSON FOR THE LIBERAL DEMOCRATS

Making the Case for Neighbourhood Health Centres

The Integrated Care Board is currently consulting on where to locate new neighbourhood health centres, and I have made a formal submission putting forward two locations within the constituency that I believe are most in need.

Neighbourhood health centres have the potential to bring a range of services closer to where people actually live, reducing pressure on GP practices and make it easier for residents to access the care they need. Getting the locations right matters, and I want to make sure Epsom and Ewell’s voice is heard in that process.

I will share more details as the consultation progresses.

CASEWORK UPDATE

This month we closed 703 cases, with many of you getting in touch about the NHS deal with Palantir, the vote in Parliament on a social media ban, and various local issues such as anti-social behaviour around the constituency.

Thank you to everyone who has written to me this month. Please rest assured that my team and I are working hard to respond to everyone as soon as possible.

If you have an issue you would like to raise, or to request an appointment at my next surgery, please email me at: helen.maguire.mp@parliament.uk.

IN THE MEDIA

I spoke to Radio Jackie about the local election results and the ongoing issue of disinformation, and joined BBC Surrey on Surrey Day as they broadcast live from Epsom – a great opportunity to celebrate everything that makes this county such a special place.

On Times Radio, I made the case against cutting international aid funding to offset defence spending. Both matter, and pitting them against each other is a false choice that risks doing real harm to some of the world’s most vulnerable people.

My comments on the importance of investing in young people and community spaces were picked up by Children and Young People Now, and Your Local Guardian covered my response to the protests in Epsom and the role disinformation played in events here.

GET IN TOUCH

As your MP, I am here to listen to the issues that matter most to you. There are several ways to contact me or keep in touch with what I am doing week to week.

You can contact me via email at: helen.maguire.mp@parliament.uk

You can write to me in Westminster at: Helen Maguire MP, House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA

Best wishes,

Helen Maguire MP

Your Member of Parliament for Epsom, Ewell, Ashtead and Leatherhead, Liberal Democrats

P.S. As always, I welcome your feedback. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Sign Up to receive Helen’s Monthly Newsletter HERE