I hope you had an enjoyable Christmas, and I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Happy New Year.
Whilst the Christmas and New Year break offers the chance of a break for some, I know that many people will have been working, particularly those in retail, hospitality, emergency services, the NHS and in social care. I want to acknowledge all those work in these sectors and say a big thank you for the work you do.
One certainty about 2024 is that you will hear a lot in the news about elections. Over 40 countries across the globe are due to hold national elections this year, including the USA, South Africa, India and Taiwan, and the outcomes will have big geopolitical impacts. Of course, it’s also highly likely we’ll be having a general election of our own this year, and there will be a set of local elections on 2nd May, with all out elections in Dudley, a third of Sandwell up for re-election, and a contest for Mayor of the West Midlands.
Whatever your political persuasion, I’m sure one thing we can all agree on is that we must never take our democratic freedoms for granted. The right to choose those who govern and represent us is one that has been hard won and is a right sadly still denied to many around the world.
Ahead of what will be a busy year for them, I thank our local returning officers and all those involved in the running of our elections, who ensure that everything is conducted fairly and efficiently.
As the new year gets underway, I look forward to meeting many local people, businesses and organisations in the coming weeks and months. If there is an issue that I may be able to help with, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me at [email protected]
This article first appeared in the Halesowen & Dudley News on 11th January 2024
