Can I start by thanking all those who took part in the local elections last week, the candidates, activists, election staff and of course, the voters.
Local elections are sometimes dismissed as unimportant but when you look at what goes on in local government, it becomes clear that everyone should take an interest in it.
And as many residents told me that they wanted a general election on the same say, as I did, they are also an opportunity to send a message to the government of the day that we need change.
The results in Bury and across the country show that.
It was a disastrous set of result for the Conservatives, with Labour bouncing back in areas that we have not been winning in for quite some time.
In fact, within our borough, Labour won a seat we had never won before – North Manor ward – which saw the excellent John Southworth win by 42 votes.
This was the former council seat of James Daly MP and a traditional Conservative heartland, but having spoken to many residents there over the multi-year campaign people wanted change they could believe in.
I know that none of us in Labour take the general election for granted, however. Not a single vote has been cast in that election.
Lots can happen in the meantime and there are already hugely challenging issues for any serious political party to face.
But this set of local election results do give Labour a green light to get on and deliver what we can as we approach that next test.
We can continue to get on with the delivery of the ambitious regeneration plans for our towns, with the first wave of affordable brownfield housing to be completed this year.
We will sharpen our focus on tackling the pernicious inequalities that exist across the borough and leave too many residents living in poverty, ill health or poor-quality housing.
And we will make sure our children and young people get the best start in life by delivering on our improvements plans around social care and SEND.
We have already approved significant new investment into these service areas and put in place extra measures to support those who need support, and while this is still in the early stages of getting going, we are determined to see it through.
These priority areas: delivering inclusive and sustainable growth, tackling inequalities and improving children’s lives will sit alongside the need to ensure we protect basic services too.
So, residents will also see continued investment in our roads to fill potholes and resurface what we can, ensure our streets are free of fly tipping and weeds, and that our parks and green spaces are of high quality.
I thank again, all those who have given us the mandate to deliver for you.
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