It’s all change with Exeter’s local government map. The independent Boundary Commission has radically redrawn our local ward boundaries. It is legally obliged to do this every few years to ensure that the number of councillors in a particular area reflects the number of electors and we all have equal representation.

It also means that you may find yourselves in a ward with a new or different name and with councillors or new candidates you don’t know. We will be out and about in the next weeks and months introducing or re-introducing our local representatives. Please ask us any questions you have and don’t hesitate to raise a local or national issue with us that we might be able to help with. We will be seeking your support for Exeter Labour to continue our work for Exeter. Our city has done really well since we took over running it from the Conservatives more than 20 years ago. Having a Labour Council makes a big difference. We have one of the lowest council tax rates in Britain, but, thanks to good financial management, we have managed to protect most important services against the current Government cuts. We have built more new council homes than any other council in South West England. We’ve secured big events like the Rugby World Cup, economic growth and investment while ensuring Exeter remains a green and pleasant place to live.

I hope you will continue to put your faith in us, but if you have any complaints or questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me. And, don’t forget in May, you’ll have three votes for three councillors wherever you live in Exeter. I urge you to use all three votes for your local Labour candidates so we can continue working hard for Exeter.