This month, UK voters went to the polls to elect councillors to local governments in England, Scotland and Wales (and regional government in Northern Ireland). While the media gaze often fixates on Westminster and the significance of the elections for the major parties nationally, much of the most important public services and decisions are made by councillors. Following the elections, Spotlight approached four councillors – some new, some veterans – to hear what they think are the key policy challenges ahead in their area.
First in the series is Conservative councillor Jeet Bains from Croydon, where local issues played a key role in the recent election. The Conservatives bucked the trend in the south London borough to win the new directly elected mayor position. Bains told Spotlight via email about local priorities and what the election results say about national politics. Answers have been edited for length and clarity.
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