Democracy is precious and maintaining its integrity involves many components. From the Returning Officer to Presiding Officers at polling stations; from our elections team at the Town Hall to people counting and verifying votes.  From Royal Mail workers delivering and returning postal votes to the police ensuring things are kept legal.

Many candidates, election agents and hundreds of activists are also integral to the democratic process.  They give up countless hours of their time to inform, persuade and convince residents to choose a particular candidate.

We had a taste of democracy at work in Trafford this week with the culmination of the Broadheath Ward by-election.  The result was declared in the early hours of Friday morning and it didn’t go Labour’s way.  There will be many reasons for this, some more obvious than others in the initial few days after the result.

One thing is for certain though, I am very proud of our candidate, Mahvish, and her agent, Colin.  They, along with so many local activists, delivered a brilliant campaign.  I really admire Mahvish’s integrity and the relationship she has built with so many people across Broadheath Ward.  I look forward to campaigning on her behalf in future elections and watching her get elected to Trafford Council and joining our Labour Group.

Although much of my week was taken up by campaigning, there were plenty other activities in my diary.  As a trustee at Home-Start Trafford Salford and Wigan I attended our monthly board meeting in Altrincham on Tuesday, followed by our AGM on Friday morning.  The AGM is always the most important meeting of the year, as it’s an opportunity to hear from some of the families supported by Home-Start over the previous year.  It is always wonderful to hear what a difference Home-Start staff and volunteers have made to local families, often life-changing.  I’m so proud to be a trustee of an organisation that is such a positive force for good.

I’ve also had a couple of visits to Partington this week.  On Tuesday evening I was joined by Cllr Aidan Williams at a meeting of Positive Partington.  I attend Positive Partington once a year and, rightly, am always subject to rigorous questioning.  That evening was no different and it’s part of being held accountable on behalf of Trafford Council.  We agreed on some things, disagreed on others but were respectful throughout and I look forward to returning to future meetings.  On Wednesday morning I dropped in to see Parish Councillor Tracy Baistow who had organised a Money Advice drop-in at Partington Library.  This session brought different advice agencies together and was such a good idea- I hope more sessions follow.

On Friday evening I had the great pleasure of attending the annual Altrincham & Sale Chamber of Commerce Awards.  Over the course of the evening we heard from Connor Rand MP, the Mayor of Trafford, and Chamber CEO Sue Aldridge.  It was a great opportunity to catch up with Sue and congratulate so many fantastic businesses based in Trafford.  It was also a privilege to reveal Business of the Year, which went to Atlantic Timber.  We’re very fortunate to have so many businesses serving our local area and providing employment and it’s great to see the support provided by the Chamber.

At the Town Hall this week I’ve had meetings covering IT services, Adult Services, and local development.  I joined my ward colleagues, Steve Adshead and Jane Slater, on the doorstep in our own ward on Friday afternoon before finishing my week visiting St Matthew’s CE School on Saturday morning for their ‘Hello Autumn’ event.  It was lovely to see children enjoying a pumpkin hunt as well as admiring the stunning school grounds in their autumnal colours.  Hopefully another event that will be repeated in future years!