Local reaction to the death of Queen Elizabeth

Local politicians and officials have been reacting to the news that the Queen died this afternoon at Balmoral.

News of The Queen's death was announced by Buckingham Palace in the early evening, after members of the immediate family rushed to be by The Queen's side when doctors expressed concern for her health.

Shortly after, the new King, Charles III issued a statement.

The death of my beloved mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family. 

We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished Sovereign and a much-loved Mother. 

I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world. 

During this period of mourning and change, my family and I will be comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which the Queen was so widely held.

:: Charles III

Parliamentary spokesman for the local constituency Labour Party, John Dean, said on social media: "Her Majesty the Queen was one of the last great constants in Britain today. A steadfast symbol of public service, loved by so many and respected across the globe. Like millions across the nation, I feel a sadness that is hard to describe."

East Herts Green Party posted: "The East Hertfiordshire Green Party would like to express its great sadness at the passing of Her Majesty The Queen,. Our thoughts and deepest sympathy are with her family at this very sad time."

A statement by the local Liberal Democrats said: ""Hertford & Stortford Liberal Democrats are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, the only monarch most of us have ever known. Her majesty the Queen led an impeccable life of service and was the golden thread that ran through the country linking generations. In a rapidly changing world, she was a reassuring constant. Our thoughts and condolences are with her family at this sad time."

The local Conservative Party tweeted: "Our wonderful Queen has left us, how fortunate we were to have her. She served us to the end. Sincere condolences to the Royal Family."

Chairman of East Herts District Council, Councillor Ian Devonshire said: "It is with great sadness that we received the news that Her Majesty The Queen passed away at Balmoral this afternoon.  Our deepest sympathies go out to her family.

"It is hard to put into words how profoundly we feel this loss. As the longest serving monarch in British history, Her Majesty The Queen devoted her life to our country and was a symbol of unity, strength and hope for us all. The Union Flag will be flying at half-mast at the council offices as a mark of respect for her extraordinary life and reign."

Conservative town and district councillor Jan Goodeve, posting on Facebook, said: "Our wonderful Queen has left us, how fortunate we were to have her. She served us to the end. Sincere condolences to the Royal Family."

Local MP Julie Marson said: "I share the deep sadness and sense of loss felt by people in Hertford and Stortford, throughout our nation and across the Commonwealth and the world, at the passing of our Queen.

"She served us with truly remarkable dedication and dignity for seven decades and we rightly celebrated that glorious reign over the Summer, where the affection and respect our nation held her in was demonstrated in abundance.

"Queen Elizabeth II was a link to the past, our country’s past but also to our own parents and grandparents. Most of us cannot remember a time when she was not there.

"We will mourn her loss and cherish her memory. But the monarchy also represents continuity and so I know we can also proudly say God Save the King."

King Charles will be proclaimed the new sovereign at St.James's Palace on Saturday at 10am.

The Queen's funeral is expected to take place in around 10 days time at Westminster Abbey.

Update 9/9/22 3:57am: Charles will be proclaimed King on Saturday, not Friday as previously reported.