On The 4th of May, the local elections will be held in England, with voters across the country taking to the polls to elect their representatives.
Due to boundary changes, all 63 seats on Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council – three seats per ward – will be contested.
As someone who served as a Councillor before becoming a Member of Parliament, I’m passionate about local government. Your local Councillor might be less high-profile than your local MP, but they do exceptionally valuable work. I always say that General Elections are about what’s happening in Downing Street, whereas local elections are what happens on your street.
It’s for this reason that its important – whatever your political allegiances – to exercise your right to vote. We’re all entitled to have a say in how our local area is represented, and that entitlement shouldn’t be taken for granted.
This year, however, voting will be a little bit different. The Government has introduced new voter ID laws, which mean voters will need to bring a form of photographic ID in order to be allowed in the voting booth.
I disagree with this policy. Voter fraud in this country is practically non-existent, and I’m worried that by asking people to take voter ID to the polling booth, we’re placing an unnecessary barrier in the way of the British people exercising their democratic right.
That being said, you have to play the hand you’re dealt. For that reason, I’m making sure that all my constituents are well-aware of the new changes so that they’re not caught out on polling day.
So, remember to bring photo ID on the 4th of May and visit www.electoralcommision.org.uk if you have any questions.
Please also spread the word to friends, neighbours and family. Everyone deserves to have a say in the day-to-day running of their community, and there’s no better way of doing so than by voting. Why