Local elections – how the results measured up with our predictions

We said Labour would consolidate rather than make dramatic gains. That proved broadly accurate.

Taylor O’Driscoll: Britain needs more young councillors

This would helps to ensure that a wider proportion of our community is represented by people with a broader skillset and experience.

Stephen Greenhalgh: Directly elected mayors? Croydon is showing us the way.

Council leaders can pass the buck and play political blame games when they should be taking action. We need proper accountability.

The Government defends free speech for councillors

The Committee on Standards in Public Life proposed that councillors’ social media comment be included as “official capacity in their public conduct.”

Peter Golds: When it comes to the family voting scandal, the Electoral Commission is more weak and muddled than ever

The police in Tower Hamlets insist they are failing to prevent the practice, due to advice from… the Electoral Commission.

Faye Purbrick: A new beginning for Somerset

There are amazing opportunities for our county, now that our switch to unitary status has been confirmed.

Bob Posner: Let’s be clear. Family voting is not allowed. The secret ballot is protected by law.

The Electoral Commission responds to Peter Golds about the state of democracy in Tower Hamlets.

Peter Golds: How “family voting” in Tower Hamlets is undermining democracy

The secret ballot is fundamental to our elections. The police and the Electoral Commission are failing to protect it.

Ryan Stephenson: There should be no lawful excuse for the criminal damage of statues

To strengthen law and order in the public realm, some reform of the legal process would be justified to protect against mob rule.

Fracking? Let the Lancastrians decide

County referendums could also be held in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire to resolve this contentious issue.

Daniel Stafford: Why the public must make their voices heard at council meetings

Conservatives need to speak up and present petitions. We can be certain that our opponents are not sitting idle.

Meghan Gallacher: It’s a struggle for the young to serve as councillors

The problem with trying to keep two jobs, is, that many Councils conduct committee business in the morning and early afternoon.

Local elections in depth: Sandwell is seeing the fallen bricks from the red wall being crushed into dust

We continue our series, putting this year’s local elections under the magnifying glass to find changes and trends.

Kevin Davis: A guide to the mayoral contests in London next year

Croydon is to join Hackney, Lewisham, Newham, and Tower Hamlets, in having this directly elected position.

Peter Golds: When the secret ballot is abandoned, so is democracy

In a recent Tower Hamlets by-election, aggressive men surrounded women as they attempted to enter a Polling Station to vote.