The local elections are now over, and I would like to show my appreciation for all those who turned out and voted.

There are still far too many countries in the world where people have no meaningful choice, nor any ability to hold their decision makers to account.

I am proud that Swindon’s democratic record - excluding World Wars - extends all the way back to the late 19th century.

As a councillor, I know we are all humbled to have received your trust.

In this age, it is all too easy to criticise politicians, but please remember that candidates, and their supporters, are all volunteers. They are not paid, but they choose to give up huge amounts of their time to provide you with a choice. Without them, there would be no contested elections.

I would also like to pay a special tribute to all the Council staff who made the process safe, secure and fair.

Some delivered poll cards, manned polling stations or conducted the count.

In my opinion, we have one of the best Electoral Services teams in the country, which was able to complete the count quickly and efficiently.

The Council’s communications team also deserves our thanks for its sterling work in supporting the local elections. I am told that Slinky the Dog now has his own internet following, and, who knows, a career as a celebrity may follow. Perhaps Slinky will switch on the town centre’s Christmas lights...

Swindon was also part of a government trial to require those going to a polling station to bring their poll card, or some other, approved, ID.

It has always seemed strange to me that we demand more proof of identity to collect a package from the Post Office than we do to claim a ballot paper.

The trial in Swindon showed that for the overwhelming majority of people, the additional requirement was no burden at all.

Turnout was just under 40%, which was higher than the turnout for the 2016 local elections.

While there might not have been many court cases of election fraud for people claiming someone else’s ballot, that is, in part, because of the sheer difficulty of proving the offence.

If you look at Tower Hamlets, where an election court found that there had been so many illegal practices that it declared a result void, there still has not been a single criminal conviction.

I believe that it is better to take preventative measures, so that we can all have the utmost confidence in the electoral process.