Only Prime Minister Rishi Sunak knows when he will call the general election that the country desperately needs.
While he dithers and delays, Labour councillors are working hard to ensure the next government gives local councils the respect that has been missing in the past 14 years.
The atmosphere of hope and determination for the future of local government was palpable at the LGA Labour Local Government Conference in February. With the largest turnout in years, the weekend was packed with sessions full of inspiration, training and debate.
We were delighted to hear from speakers including our Labour Deputy Leader Angela Rayner, Shadow Local Government Minister Jim McMahon, and countless fantastic council leaders from around England and Wales.
It was particularly pleasing to be joined by so many new councillors elected for the first time last May, when Labour became the largest party in local government.
“Councils of all political colours are doing their best to deliver for their communities, despite this Government’s failure to respect or support local government”
The LGA Labour Group also launched our latest publication ‘101 achievements of Labour in local government’ – examples of the difference Labour can make in power and highlighting the tireless work by councillors for their communities.
The truth is that councils of all political colours are doing their best to deliver for their communities, despite this Government’s failure to respect or support local government.
The next government has an opportunity to change this relationship, and, if voters choose Labour, I’m confident that this will happen.
Angela Rayner spoke compellingly about building a genuine partnership with leaders and mayors, and councils are central to Labour Leader Keir Starmer’s mission to build more homes, take back control of our streets and deliver growth across the country.
Whether the PM chooses to face the country in May, or to bottle it and delay to the bitter end, the Labour Party is ready.
The promise of a Labour government that will work alongside us to deliver change for our communities means Labour councillors will have an added incentive to campaign to give Britain its future back.