The general election is finally here, with PM Rishi Sunak finally bowing to pressure and giving the country the chance to change.
Many voters are cynical about whether politics can really make a difference which is no surprise after 14 years of dreadful government.
But there is a clear choice at this election, with Labour offering a long-term and serious plan to change Britain.
The same might be said of local government, with many councillors of all parties despairing at the prospects for councils given the dreadful economic picture that the next government will inherit.
But here too Labour offers hope, with a new partnership between national and local government giving us the chance to work together to rebuild local services.
I’d also like to recognise May’s local elections.
“Many voters are cynical about whether politics can really make a difference”
Congratulations to councillors of all parties who were elected, and particularly to those of you who have been elected for the first time.
It is an honour and privilege to serve your local community as a councillor, and I hope you find it as rewarding as I always have done.
Commiserations to every councillor who stepped down or was not re-elected.
We are delighted with our results overall, with almost 200 new councillors, 10 new Labour-run councils, and four new Labour metro mayors.
The results show that after years of chaos voters are demanding change. I’m pleased that on 4 July, they will finally have the power to change our country for the better with a Labour government.
