From pubs to car parks, supermarkets to sports venues – the places some people will cast their votes this year will be very different to what they have experienced in the past.

Right across the country remarkable returning officers and their impressive election teams have innovated to ensure these elections are run safely in more ways than one. I have been amazed at what my colleagues have managed to achieve in such challenging circumstances. We owe them all a great deal of thanks because it is hugely positive to see one of the most vivid signs of democracy in action once again after last year’s elections were, understandably, postponed due to the pandemic.