Andy Street: As we enter lockdown, we must protect our precious open spaces

Whitehall must understand that if an algorithm offers up cherished green spaces to hungry developers, there will be a local backlash.

Meirion Jenkins: Spending by Birmingham City Council is out of control

The relocation of a National Express bus depot for the Commonwealth Games athlete’s village will cost £15.5m – eight times more than budgeted.

WATCH: May claims Corbyn would cause “a run on the pound” and “capital flight” as he attacks her economic record

Meanwhile Julian Knight asks if the Birmingham bin strike is a warning of what the nation will face under “a hard-left Labour Government”.

Meirion Jenkins: Birmingham is the largest metropolitan authority in Europe – and one of the worst-run.

The structure and management of the council needs total reform. I would reduce the current 101 councillors to around 30.

Ten local election results to watch for the Tories

How bad is the prognosis for urban Conservatism? Will there be a fightback outside of London? Will the Liberal Democrats show signs of life? Some potential clues.

Harry Fone: Local councils “cut to the bone?” Not if our Town Hall Rich List is anything to go by.

In the last financial year, there were over 500 council employees earning more than the Prime Minister.