Listen to my statement (also below).
I know I speak for everyone here in the Epping Forest area when I express my deep sadness at the death of our beloved Queen Elizabeth.
At the same time as being a dutiful and devoted constitutional monarch, she was also a loving, clever and graceful lady.
She touched all of our hearts and our grief is real and personal.
When I paid tribute to the Queen in the House of Commons on the occasion of her Diamond Jubilee in 2012, I said: "Those of us who strive to show that there should be no barriers to a woman being able to achieve all that a man can achieve have in Her Majesty a shining example and a wonderful inspiration".
She was indeed inspirational.
May she rest in peace and rise in glory.
God save the King.
