Local elections
Watering the seed of a stronger local democracy
The recommendations in the Kirklees Democracy Commission could help shape how both local and national democracy could develop over the next decade, writes Carl Whistlecraft.
Quirky drinks
It’s not often that you’ll catch Lewisham LBC chief and local government innovator Barry Quirk indulging in a bit of election fraud. But that’s just what the thirsty chief exec did last week when he visited a bar for a cheeky snifter.
The big opportunity for local government
The Government is heavily exposed to backbench revolts – not just on Brexit but on public sector funding. Michael Burton reports on last week’s election, which could give local government the best opportunity to press home its case in decades.
Fuller and Saint in running to replace Clarke
Two senior Conservatives have emerged as the front-runners to replace Cllr Neil Clarke as chairman of the District Councils’ Network (DCN).
Engaging with the electorate
Bob Neill says Britain requires an ambitious, forward looking vision for adult social care, health and housing.
Rebooting the devolution agenda
Sean Nolan looks at the results of the English mayoral elections and assesses what is next on the agenda.
Respecting the will of the people
Misreading the newly-invigorated electorate has become far too common. The political debate has been reframed through the Brexit prism and the wishes of the people need to be respected, writes Claire Fox.
Labour is sick but it is not yet terminal
Labour is like a very ill patient that refuses to die, but Ben Page predicts the party's demise is some way off.
Electoral administrators ‘close to quitting’ as they feel the strain
Electoral administrators are under severe strain as they prepare for a snap General Election just a month after local and mayoral polls, The MJ has been told.
Where do we go from here?
It’s time for the metro mayors lead the way, writes Gill Morris.
Sleigh appointed deputy mayor in West Midlands
The deputy mayor of the West Midlands Combined Authority has been appointed today.
White Van Man on ... the election results
The nation has spoken, or rather yawned.
The winners and losers
With the General Election looming in a matter of weeks Sam Clayden and Gerry Braiden assess the results of last week’s local elections, and in their aftermath, look at the current national landscapes of England and Scotland respectively.
The knock on effects of the General Election
Allen Graham outlines the impacts of having two sets of elections so closely together.
Flying into Brexit times
Brexit is one of the key issues of our time and ought to be among the top issues for people on which to decide their vote, writes Dan Corry.
The new mayors have a duty to show the benefits of devolution
The new mayors must waste no time in turning their attention to the big economic challenges their city regions face, argues Andrew Carter.
Tories gaining but SNP still top of the Scots
Scotland’s Conservatives took advantage of Labour’s weakness and unionist fears over a second independence referendum to deliver their best local results for 40 years.
Labour and Conservatives involved in dramatic Welsh swing
The Conservatives have come out on top in the Welsh elections as Labour lost control of its traditional heartland.
Burnham’s GM metro mayoral team expands
Two council leaders and a former local government minister have joined the team of newly-elected Greater Manchester metro mayor Andy Burnham.
Trafford director quits poll role
Trafford MBC’s deputy returning officer was forced to step down after ‘endorsing’ a candidate in a tweet in the run up to the Manchester Mayoral election.