Tuesday 8 March marks International Women's Day. It presents an opportunity to reflect on equality in society. Women experience systematic inequalities in many aspects of life, for example, conflict, the workplace and in healthcare.

We are all acutely aware that the women of Ukraine are suffering terribly, as many are forced to flee as refugees with vulnerable children and elderly relatives, leaving behind their menfolk and many other women to defend Ukranian democracy against the terrorising tyranny of Putin and his military forces. One is struck by how, when faced with a truly appalling situation, we come together with our European neighbours, in solidarity and support for the victims of Putin's evil dictatorship. I cannot help but wonder if the world would be a much better place, if power was much more equally shared between men and women. It is well established that women as a whole prefer to work and lead through consensus rather than conflict. When does taking a collaborative approach result in women being held back?

Amna Ahmad has been elected and will take up the role of Vice President responsible for working with ethnic minority communities.

Thank you to Amna and all of the candidates for taking part in the election. The results can be found in full here.

As this was a by-election, Amna's term will run until January 2023.

Message from LDER, Liberal Democrats for Electoral Reform - https://lder.org/en/

Thank you for all your support in challenging the government's Elections Bill on Monday.

It was great to see MPs up and down the country speaking out against the bill, with many acknowledging the strength of feeling of their constituents.

In July this year Amersham will be launched as the 'Flower Capital of Bucks' as part of a new initiative to deliver more for local residents, community engagement and the high streets.

The 17th January meeting of the Liberal Democrat-led Amersham Town Council agreed to proceed with a multifaceted programme to expand the capacity of Amersham in Bloom, attract more people to the town and build on what makes Amersham a great place to live, in the face of opposition from Conservative Town Councillors who voted against the proposals.

Today, the Government's Elections Bill returns to the House of Commons for its third reading. Liberal Democrats for Electoral Reform strongly support the campaign to stop this bill.

There are four things you can do TODAY to oppose the Bill.

1. Take action through the Unlock Democracy Elections Bill Action Centre