This is my first chance to write for you since the EU Referendum on 23 June. However you voted – I was a passionate supporter for Remain – the results of that vote will change our country for ever.

Our challenge in Local Government is to ensure that the change is for the better. To make sure that Britain remains an outward-looking, peaceful and cohesive society. To project out into the world the message that Britain is open, for new business, new ideas, new influences.