Richard Tice: Let’s all do our bit to end the scourge of knife crime
It’s not just about police numbers – the key is to focus relentlessly on results and efficiency, freeing officers to get out on patrol.
James Heywood: Labour won Trafford by weaponising Nimbyism
Conservatives failed to win people over to building hundreds of new homes on a former golf course.
Katrina Wood: New local unitaries, backed by the public, are the way forward in Buckinghamshire
A super council would make decision-making more remote; the natural division provided by the Chiltern Hills should be recognised.
How Barnet was won
It wasn’t just about antisemitism. The Conservatives pledged to maintain weekly bin collections. Labour did not.
Multi-member council wards should be abolished
Smaller electoral areas with just one councillor each would make for less confusion, more accountability – and fewer one party states.
John Bald: How South Cambridgeshire was lost
The key issue was planning, and our fate was sealed before the first leaflet was delivered. Developers would steamroller the council to get unwanted schemes approved.
Local elections: We said there wouldn’t be a Tory meltdown – and there wasn’t
The results were a triumph of localism which confounded the pundits. But achieving wider home ownership is still a particular challenge in London.
Judy Terry: Councils should take note of what it takes to be listed as a “best places to live” in the property supplements
A safe place with the best schools, well maintained public spaces, sports facilities, and transport links make locations desirable
Kevin Davis: Why local manifestos matter
They may not win many votes – but they offer some direction the other side of the election. In Kingston we have a whole range of detailed policies.
John Moss: Why I think we will win seats from Labour in Waltham Forest
The Council is unpopular for approving tower blocks with no affordable homes and also for punishing motorists in a way that has cut trade for local shops.
Victoria Borwick: On knife crime, you can and you must do more, Mr Mayor
The police know where the hot spots are. They must identify the most harmful gang members and can give them a stark choice.
Tony Homewood: Wakefield Conservatives are on the front line against Momentum
There have been some shocking cases of personal abuse. Bullying must not be allowed to triumph.
Kim Caddy: A business-friendly approach by councils helps to keep unemployment falling
In Wandsworth we are working with employers and further education colleges – and providing the infrastructure needed for economic growth.
Gavin Chambers: We have too many layers of government
A switch to unitary authorities would save money and avoid confusion over the responsibility for different services.
Sam Thurgood: Housing is the priority for Conservatives in Lewisham
More homes doesn’t have to mean huge tower blocks. We need property that people want to live in – we can do this by intelligently and sustainably developing spare council land.