Next Thursday’s elections are even more important than usual.

COVID delayed last year’s elections meaning contests are backed up so this year’s elections are the biggest test of opinion since December 2019. Campaigning has been restricted and subdued but that doesn’t detract from the significance of the elections.

People are motivated to vote for varied reasons. Some – perhaps fewer – turn out to support their party come rain or shine. Some are interested in particular local issues, others use it to pass a verdict on the Government of the day. In short, voters are sophisticated and savvy. But whatever your motivation and whoever you decide to vote for I hope as many people as possible vote.

We talk about the right to vote but forget how recent for some that right was given. But with rights come responsibility, which now means helping to determine what post COVID Britain looks like. It’s also about who our local leaders will be and in these difficult times we need serious leadership.

It’s also about what politics looks like going forward. Former Prime Minister David Cameron once said sunlight is the best disinfectant in politics. That why we need an investigation into the pandemic to learn lessons and be best prepared for future challenges. But it also requires full disclosure and transparency over the recent allegations of sleaze which are swilling around.

That’s why elections and voting are so important because they are a reminder of not only what the public wants but that we, the voters, are ultimately in charge.

Please vote on Thursday 6th May.