The Liberal Democrats have promised to deliver a 'fair deal' for Buckinghamshire ahead of the local elections.
More than 40 candidates gathered in Great Missenden to launch their campaign and outline their plans for Buckinghamshire Council.
Among those present were Susan Morgan, the Liberal Democrats' leader on Buckinghamshire Council, Sarah Green, the Liberal Democrat MP for Chesham and Amersham, and councillors and candidates who have recently joined the party from other political groups.
The Lib Dems have pledged to focus on improving access to local healthcare, delivering better value for money for residents' council tax, and protecting green spaces from overdevelopment.
They have accused the Conservative-run council of failing to deliver a local plan that would ensure housebuilding in the area meets local needs.
Specific policies announced include ensuring new developments are well-planned and integrated with essential infrastructure, setting up mental health hubs across the county, prioritising better road maintenance, and creating a robust local plan for housing and development.
Susan Morgan, Lib Dem group leader on Buckinghamshire Council, said: "Across Buckinghamshire, support is growing for the Liberal Democrats.
"I'm delighted that previous supporters of all parties are rallying behind us as the best placed alternative to the decades of neglect we've seen from the Conservatives.
"As we go out each week and listen to residents, we hear the same thing over and over again: the Conservatives are taking Buckinghamshire for granted.
"Our health service is in crisis, our roads are full of potholes, and our green spaces are under threat from developers that the Conservatives have let have their way for too long.
"Buckinghamshire needs a fair deal.
"I'm proud to be putting forward the Liberal Democrats' positive plan for change, including better access to health services, more value for money from your council tax, and a housing plan that will deliver the houses that we need, where we need them.
"This May, local residents who want change should back the Liberal Democrats as the party who can deliver it."
However, the Conservatives have defended their record and said they should be trusted to continue running Buckinghamshire Council.
Martin Tett, leader of the Bucks Conservative group, said: "There are 19 Labour councils now in financial 'special measures' and a further six Lib Dem councils, such as nearby Windsor and Maidenhead which wanted to put up council tax by 25 per cent.
"By contrast Buckinghamshire Council is financially sound and delivering good services despite this Labour government taking over £6 million from us next year."
On May 1, Bucks voters will elect 97 councillors, reduced from the council’s existing 147 members.
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