Surrey Liberal Democrat councillor quits, saying he feels 'a sense of guilt' for helping elect local MP

James Lawrence, who represents College Ward on Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, said he has resigned from the Lib Dems with immediate effect.

Cllr Lawrence added he would continue serving residents as an independent councillor.

In a statement to residents, Cllr Lawrence said he joined the party in 2018 because he believed it combined “strong intellectual foundations” with the “pragmatism” needed to achieve change.

He was elected to the council in 2023 and described representing the community where he grew up as “a great privilege”.

Responding to the criticism, Helen Maguire MP said: “It is equally vital to me that constituents know how accessible and visible I am as their MP, engaging with them on their doorsteps each week.

“It is because I am an MP who strives to be a truly present voice within Epsom & Ewell that I am able to understand these concerns and raise them at a national level.”

‘What do the Lib Dems stand for?’

However, Cllr Lawrence said he felt his work had been undermined by both the national and local Liberal Democrat party.

He criticised the party’s national leadership, saying it had become “rudderless” under leader Ed Davey and lacked clear direction or policy.

He wrote: “What do the Liberal Democrats stand for? I wish I could tell you. Davey’s Mr. Tumble-style stunts cover up a lack of direction, policy, and commitment to seriously engage with the challenges this country faces, particularly the economy.

“As the two-party system collapses, the Liberal Democrats should stand to benefit. But Davey’s Party is incapable of taking advantage, and given its purposelessness, that’s probably a good thing.”

Cllr Lawrence also criticised the party locally, saying he had been “disappointed” with Epsom & Ewell’s Liberal Democrat MP Helen Maguire.

He said she appeared “more interested in leafleting and electioneering than engaging in meaningful policy change at the national level”.

In a scathing remark, Cllr Lawrence said he was concerned by what he described as an ability to “alienate volunteers who freely give up their time”.

He added that while he was pleased to have supported the successful campaign to displace the Conservatives in Epsom & Ewell: “I now feel a sense of guilt at having played a role in enabling her to be elected.”

Cllr Lawrence said he hoped the Liberal Democrats would return to the “seriousness of its past”, but that he no longer had faith it would.

The MP responds

Responding to the criticism, Helen Maguire said: “While I wish [Cllr James Lawrence] well in his future endeavours, I am saddened to see his portrayal of my values and priorities as a Member of Parliament working for local matters at a national level.

“The feedback I receive from local residents is consistently positive.

“I frequently receive correspondence from constituents who value the regular literature they are sent informing them of the important work I am conducting in Parliament.

“I recently met a constituent during one of my canvassing sessions, who told me that they were having difficulties accessing a breast cancer drug.

“I raised this issue directly with the responsible Minister, who then intervened with our local NHS organisation, and consequently the constituent received their medication.

“I do not need to debate the merits of consistent canvassing when the importance of it is so clear in cases such as this.

“I am proud to be a very visible and active Member of Parliament within the Epsom & Ewell community, and will continue to fight for every single one of my constituents at both a local and national level.”

Highlights as a Lib Dem

Cllr Lawrence outlined highlights during his time in office.

He wrote: “I’m proud to have co-led a cross-party coalition working for better outcomes at the Chalk Pit site, increased Council lease scrutiny, and passed a motion requiring all urgent council decisions to be published.

“Navigating an overly complex housing payments system to keep a roof over the head of a vulnerable resident is an experience that will stay with me.”

He said he would continue to serve the people of College Ward and the wider borough as an independent councillor.