David Simmonds: I’m a supporter of railways, but HS2 is a misguided scheme

The current expensive disruptive route, and the neglect of decrepit local transport, are unacceptable.

Brenda Burgess: Being a councillor is about being absorbed in community life

So much of the role is apolitical. Arts projects for schools. Honouring local heroes. Planting flowers and removing weeds.

Gareth Lyon: By professionalising councillors, we are repeating Parliament’s mistake at a local level

Ever greater state funding is being followed by ever greater statism in political thought – and the decline of independent thought.

Mimi Harker: Councillors can help the Conservative Party adapt to the less deferential age of social media

Politics has changed. Elected members need to champion the community. Being aloof is no longer tolerated.

Tom McLaren: Labour’s Ilford South selection dispute shows the danger of a “strong leader” model for councils

I have seen the lack of accountability in Redbridge. The system needs to change.

Frances Lasok: Too many of our best campaigners are being diverted off to be councillors

Local government is a most effective mechanism to enact positive change. But it is hugely time-consuming and not the right role for all political activists.

Kris Wilson: Labour is seeking to thwart democracy and debate in Nuneaton and Bedworth

The way our Council meetings are presided over makes Speaker Bercow look impartial.

Mark Weston: Why the present way of directly electing mayors is working badly for Bristol

This governance model’s real flaw is a complete lack of checks and balances on executive powers. I hope in 2020 we will end it.

Andrew Kennedy: Unitary authorities can help save taxpayers’ money

Buck-passing between different authorities results in poor outcomes for residents and kickback from voters.

The local elections revisited: an analysis of results in the East Midlands

Labour had some startling setbacks – it was usually the independents who benefitted. Elsewhere we saw Conservative losses to the Lib Dems.

The local elections revisited: an analysis of results in the South West

The long-awaited Liberal Democrat revival in their traditional strongholds finally transpired. But the independents also made big gains.

Holly Whitbread: It’s tough going, campaigning in Epping Forest – despite having a good record to defend

I have had doors slammed in my face and been called a traitor. But I keep promoting a positive, localised Conservative message.

Wendy Thompson: Here in Wolverhampton, we have a premiership team. Now we need a premiership council.

Conservatives are offering a positive alternative. We can be a strong and effective voice for every Wulfrunian.

Daniel Stafford: Recall petitions should be introduced for local councillors

This small measure may well go some way to restoring the faith of voters in democratic measures – not least in Oxford.

Katrina Wood: Government meddling is making unitary status for local government in Buckinghamshire harder to achieve

There is a very short space of time to set this new council up. Decisions on the new arrangements must be made locally.