Later this month we go to the Polls for both the City Council and European Parliamentary elections. I ought to declare an interest as I’m up for election myself in my ward of Longlevens – but I’ll keep my comments strictly neutral!

If you are not already on the electoral roll, you have until 6th May to register to vote – and if you’re not going to be able to get to the polling station, you have until 7th May to apply for a postal or 14th May for a proxy vote.

It’s an anxious time for me, and for all candidates, as we wait to find out whether we will be elected. I’ve been elected to the City Council five times, but I never take the outcome for granted. I do enjoy spending these weeks out on the doorstep, getting round to meet as many of my constituents as possible. For the rest of the year, Council meetings tend to keep me busy and having time to knock on doors is more difficult. Being out there speaking to people also generates a certain amount of work in dealing with issues that residents raise with us.

Although we go into what is strangely known as “purdah”, which means the Council cannot issue publicity involving councillors, work doesn’t stop. We’re dealing with lots of major projects at the moment, including securing funding for the new bus station as part of the Kings Quarter regeneration scheme, finding a partner to develop the former Fleece Hotel site with us, working with traders to find an acceptable solution to upgrading the Eastgate Indoor Market and working towards next year’s Rugby World Cup.

These elections are important. One is a way of expressing an opinion about Britain’s future relationship with Europe, the other is about the future of Gloucester – and who is the best person to look after the community in which you live. So please look closely at what the candidates and parties are offering, consider it carefully and cast your vote positively on that basis.