Like other recent candidates, Strafford also made much of his long-standing personal connections to the area. A local source tells me he clearly “knew his stuff”.
The Design Codes will ensure the quality of the development – and an umistakeable sense of belonging.
Speaking out on this controversial subject is brave. But the Surrey Police Commissioner is not alone in doing so.
Plus: Why are Police and Crime Commissioners asking for more money for keyrings and stress balls?
While national command and control sometimes stumbled, our district councils ensured that we could keep calm and carry on.
Local identities matter. Rather than abolishing small local authorities, more power should be handed down to them.
Most Tory MPs will be seeing large increases in the housing targets for their seats, while many Labour MPs see their local targets reduced.
Not being white remains the number one demographic predictor of not voting Tory.
The criteria for new schools have been squeezed too much – children who deserve the chance of a great education are missing out as a result.
They enhance policing capacity. I am also proud that we are recruiting 210 more police officers onto the front line.
He is an admirably English candidate, a sensitive and prudent man who can be relied on to behave like an officer and a gentleman.
Just as high performing and well-led schools were allowed to convert to being academies, good local councils should have the chance of financial independence.
For the future, more unitary authorities could be a good solution to funding pressures – but not if it means subdividing efficiently-run counties.
Well-intentioned requirements are causing time to be wasted on form fillings and meeting pointless targets.