The Liberal Democrats goal is to build and safeguard a free, fair and open society.

We believe in liberty, equality and community.

We champion the freedom, dignity and wellbeing of individuals.

We believe that decisions are best taken at the lowest level to those affected and not centralised in Westminster.

The role of all levels of government is to enable people to achieve their full potential, to contribute to their communities and be a part of decisions that affect their lives.

Meet the Team

Natalie Butcher

Natalie has lived in Grays for many years and in Thurrock all her life. As a long standing resident of Richmond Road, tackling the on-going issues concerning the Thurrock Adult Education Centre is close to her heart.

In fact with 2 children who are currently at Primary and Secondary level, Natalie is deeply involved in all areas of education and champions ideas that keep teenage children occupied, focused and out of trouble.

Natalie believes listening to residents is the most important thing and says “There is nothing more disheartening than someone believing they do not have a voice or that change cannot happen. Local politics is exactly that and affects everyone in Thurrock, I am happy to listen to all views, they are all important.”

James Donald

Long-time Thurrock resident, James, has been involved in many charity projects, helping a wide range of good causes.

James cares deeply about improving education, law and order, and the environment in Thurrock. Commuting from and around Thurrock, James appreciates the constraints and frustrations felt by many in the borough towards public transport.

When asked what his goals were for Thurrock, James said “a safer, greener Thurrock. I want to be a strong and loud voice for our community.”

Will Jackson

Will Jackson lives with his wife in Grays and has lived in Thurrock for many years. He is a familiar face at the local Orchard Community Forum and actively encourages local residents to become more involved. Will’s commitment to the Forum provides him with a deep understanding of local issues and how residents feel about them.

Will is heavily involved with The Stroke Association, the only UK wide charity solely concerned with combating strokes in people of all ages and issues surrounding equal opportunities for people with disabilities are close to his heart.

Will has been actively involved with the Thurrock Liberal Democrats for many years and said  “From experience I know that living with a disability is not easy, but this should not stop anybody from achieving their personal goals whatever they may be”

Claire Jones

Claire has lived in Thurrock all her life and currently lives in Long Lane (Thurrock Blackshots Ward), with her young son Ryan. Like most people with young children, Claire appreciates the challenges associated with raising a family and is a firm supporter of the local SureStart centres whose aim is “giving all children the best possible start in life”.

Claire’s parents also live in the Thurrock Blackshots Ward, and her mother and grandmother worked in Thurrock residential care homes for more than 40 years. Facilities and care for the elderly are high on Claire’s priority list.

When asked why she stands for the Thurrock Liberal Democrats, Claire said: “It is because I genuinely want to make a difference to the local community, for my son, my family, my friends and the people of Thurrock. I think people are generally disillusioned with local politics and I hope the Thurrock Liberal Democrats are given a chance to change that.”

John Livermore

John is the Thurrock Liberal Democrat veteran as his commitment and dedication to the party span some 20 years. John has seen many changes to the local area and party over this time but his belief in the future of Thurrock and making a difference remains resolute.

As resident of Aveley for most of his life, John is actively involved in all areas of the community. Heavily engaged with the Aveley Village Community Forum, John organises coffee mornings, quizzes and often transports elderly residents who otherwise would be unable to attend.

When asked why he was so committed to the community and the Thurrock Liberal Democrats John said “I believe passionately in the party and the values we represent, sometimes it isn’t easy, but we are working towards the simple goal of making Thurrock a better place to live for everyone”

Kevin Mulroue

Kevin has a wide knowledge of community issues across Thurrock, and has lived in Orsett, Chadwell, Aveley, Ockendon and Stanford. He now lives with his wife and two young children in Grays.

A regular at regional Liberal Democrat conferences Kevin champions equality in the community and cohesion.

When asked about his time in the borough Kevin said “I’m proud to be a resident of Thurrock and the diversity it supports, working together and uniting those from all walks of life is the way to make things better”

Matthew Orbell

Matt lives and grew up in Thurrock and is actively involved in the local community. His job involves regular commuting to London and travelling locally and nationally so transport and parking issues affect his daily life.

As a keen runner Matt is a regular at the Impulse leisure centres across the borough and is a keen supporter of exercise and fitness being accessible and affordable to all.

Matt is the Thurrock Liberal Democrat’s newest member and is enjoying his involvement, “I’ve learned a lot in a short space of time and would encourage more people to get involved with local politics, it is great to be working with a group of people who care so passionately about the local area”

Tracy Rowe

Tracy grew up in Thurrock and currently lives with her husband and 3 children in the Stifford Clays ward. After a successful career in the financial sector Tracy turned her attention to raising her young family and studying for a teaching qualification with the Open University, channeling her passion for education and childcare.

With her positive “can do” approach Tracy is heavily involved in the local community and chairs the Parent and Teacher’s Association for Stifford Clays Infants school, tirelessly fundraising and organising local events.

When asked what she hoped to achieve through her involvement with the Thurrock Liberal Democrats Tracy said “For me, the best thing that can happen is that people start to realise how important local politics really are, and how they affect every one of us, every day. There is so much going on in the local community and I would encourage everyone to get involved”

Luke Tyson

Growing up and living in Thurrock all his life, Luke Tyson has seen many changes – some for better; some for worse.

Having worked in many different industries, he appreciates the importance of children and young people leaving schools, colleges and universities equipped with the skill they will need throughout their working lives.

Asked why he is for the Liberal Democrats, Luke said “I want the residents of Thurrock to enjoy a freer, more prosperous and more liberal society, where everyone is able to achieve their potential.”