Councillor Marianne Overton MBE

“Many councils are already rewriting local plans, challenging the rate and types of housing built”

More than 1,200 Independent and smaller party candidates stood in the General Election, undaunted by the cost and incredibly hard work that goes into running a campaign.

Much like September’s Spending Round, this pre-election Queen’s Speech promised much, but with little certainty of the current government actually having to deliver it.

Chaos in Westminster has seen the Prime Minister lose vote after vote and now his tactical shutting down of Parliament could be unlawful. Many of his own members have turned against the party whip, determined to vote with their consciences.

This is a big year for us. It will bring a changed UK-EU relationship and possible Parliamentary elections, while we continue to help our communities to thrive in an¬ ever-challenging funding environment.

In my first column since April, because of local, European and group elections, I start with huge congratulations to our members who did so well in May and formally welcome all of our new members to the LGA Independent Group.

We soon enter purdah and then the planned group elections, so I wanted to thank you and wish you luck if you are standing locally in May.