As we move into a new year let's spare a thought for some of our troubled colleagues. Like the currently suspended chief executive of Newcastle under Lyme and the departed chief executive of Barnet. Both shared the misfortune of falling over the hurdle that is our increasingly complex franchise.

The process of voter registration is a classic Cinderella service. However, when it goes wrong (unlike similar services such as social care), it upsets powerful interests in politics and the media.