Statement from Sarah Cheung Johnson in South Cambridgshire (Longstanton Ward):

"We would like to thank the wonderful team that stand behind us and have made this election victory possible. Only those who have experienced an election campaign can know the hours, hard work and dedication that goes into winning an election - even more so a patch that has never had a Liberal Democrat (and now has 2!) Across South Cambs many residents felt the need for change, for strong, active representation and to stand up for our villages The LibDems won 30 of the 45 seats and now have overall control of the District Council. This will allow us to enact real change and allow us to hold to account local government in a region already represented by a Tory run County Council, Tory Mayor and Tory MP.

Marguerita in her own words:

I have been active as a member of the Liberal Democrat party since 2003 when I was first elected as a Town Councillor for Southborough and re-elected in 2007.

I came to Tunbridge Wells as an 11 year old from Hong Kong with my parents for a better education and prospects. It was my parents who taught me the value of education. hard work, and a loving family.

"I am Larry Ngan, the Liberal Democrat candidate for the local elections on 3 May in the ward of Queensbury in Brent.

I was born in Hong Kong and studied History at the Chinese University of Hongkong. I have lived in the UK for the last 14 years and am a senior data analyst at AM Best.

After the Brexit referendum, I witnessed its impact: our society became less tolerant, and our public services will suffer from the loss of valuable work force from the EU countries.

Labour controlled Brent Council has misallocated resources, lost touch with residents and neglected the fire safety of Council housing.

I joined the Liberal Democrats in 2017 and decided to stand for the local elections too! It may be a small step, but it can be a giant leap for our Party to have an additional member on Brent Council."

Editor: Good luck Larry!

(If you would like to help in Larry's campaign please email info@chineselibdems.org.uk )

We have three Chinese Liberal Democrat candidates standing in this May's local elections and here's a little more about them.

Merlene Emerson

Merlene needs no introduction as our Chinese Liberal Democrat co-chair and Chair of the new Liberal Democrat Race Equality Policy Working Group. Here is Merlene's own introduction for the local elections where she is standing in Barnes, London.

After deciding to join the Liberal Democrats not so long ago I was astonished to find during the General Elections last June that my vote would not stand for much. There wasn't a suitable candidate who represented my views in my constituency in Kent. It was an inspirational moment, and one that led me to spring into action and commit to making 2018 a pro-active campaigning year.

I had been struggling for a while on whether to head to Spring Conference or to stay in London and on the doorstep with Elaine [Bagshaw], Shelly, Jack and Tara. Eventually, I decided to head to the conference. I wanted to learn more about how a campaign operates as we approach the short campaign, and how I could really contribute. Conference didn't disappoint.

Co-Chair of Chinese Liberal Democrats Tatyan Cheung gives a rare interview on what attracted him to the Liberal Democrats, life as a Town Councillor and encourages younger members of Chinese community to get involved in politics too.

Q: Many people from the Chinese community especially from the 1^st generation shun politics. What was it about the Liberal Democrats that attracted you to join as a member?

What would Liberal Prime Minister Gladstone have thought of his statue holding two red lanterns, or of the sight of a Chinese lion prancing up the grand marble staircase of the Club that he had founded?

The Chinese LibDems returned to the NLC for a second year running, but for the first time, Janet Berridge, (the first female Chairman at the National Liberal Club in its 136 year history) was present to host the proceedings.

A Chinese New Year message, from the Rt Hon Sir Vince Cable MP, Leader of the Liberal Democrats:

I would like to wish a Happy New Year to our friends and members of the Chinese community in the UK and to all who celebrate Lunar New Year during this time of year. May it be a time of great joy and celebration with family and friends.

Sarah Cheung Johnson was a candidate in local elections May 17. She applied for and got a Chinese LibDem grant towards her campaign. She writes:

I ran as a brand new candidate for my division in the Cambridgeshire County Council elections in May 17, coming 146 votes short of the Tory incumbent.