Is the Blue Wall around London in danger of cracking?

Local factors? The usual backlash against the party in power? Or a long-term trend away from the Conservatives in some of their heartlands?

Be ready for a general election in the spring of 2023

These elections were very good indeed for the Conservatives – though there are warning signs of a potential Blue Wall effect in the south.

Harry Fone: Almost 700 council staff are paid over £150,000 a year

Nottingham City Council paid nine staff over £100,000 a year. What did local taxpayers get for their money? A failed council-owned energy company.

Harry Fone: £255 million a year is spent on councillor allowances. That is where the economy drive should begin.

Plus: White elephants in Brighton – and Nottingham’s inept venture into the energy market.

Andrew Griffith: My constituency experience of those most affected by the shutdown.

To kick off the restart debate on a practical level, here are five areas to consider for the first phase of any amendment to the current restrictions.

Louise Goldsmith: Crying “Nimby” is not enough – sometimes local concerns are valid

We need to decentralise and devolve where communities are trusted and empowered. Let’s encourage higher density together with good thoughtful design.

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.

Jonathan Werran: Councils and business should talk about how local productivity can be improved

A deal has been agreed between West Sussex County Council and Gatwick Airport on improving community housing and infrastructure.

Andrew Kennedy: County or city-wide Association groupings with experienced agents in charge. My plan to salvage the voluntary party.

The Party has collectively failed to modernise its campaigning, with the result that we saw on June 8. This needs radical reform if it is not to collapse completely.

Cllr Louise Goldsmith: Turning round troubled families in West Sussex

Over the coming months we will take on a further 600 families