Last Thursday saw a huge number of national and local elections taking place across the UK, with almost 5,000 seats up for election in England across 143 councils. Likewise, a number of mayoral seats were contested as well as Police & Crime Commissioners and national elections in Scotland and Wales. Congratulations to all those who won and commiserations to all those who lost, especially those in the divisions covering the constituency.

As ever, it was great to see the Conservative Party retain control of Devon County Council and I look forward to working with the Cabinet and local councillors in the coming months and years. Another positive to come from the election was the number of younger candidates running for office. Whilst they didn't necessarily win, it is fantastic to see younger people on all sides of politics being engaged with the political process and running to represent their local communities.

I'd like to take the opportunity to pay tribute to and thank three councillors who have served for a number of years on Devon County Council, representing our local area. John Clatworthy has represented the people of Dawlish for over 20 years, including 11 years as Deputy Leader of the Conservatives in Devon, whilst Gordon Hook has represented Newton Abbot for 16 years. Both have made an invaluable contribution to Devon and the local community. Similarly, Sylvia Russell has been a force of nature representing Teignmouth at various different levels over a number of decades. Whilst unfortunately she wasn't re-elected for the Teignmouth division on the county council, she remains a committed councillor for Teignmouth East on Teignbridge District Council.

Overall, the national picture shows that voters have made it clear that they want the focus to be on their priorities and delivering, not on political games. Quite rightly, the government is focused on recovering from the pandemic and levelling up with investment, jobs and improved local services. As many of you will be aware and as I have made clear numerous times in this column, I am not afraid to be vocal about issues and areas where I believe the government isn't doing enough or needs to speed up.

As mentioned previously, I will be making my displeasure known in the House of Commons if there is another delay to any kind of meaningful social care reform. Successive governments of all colours have failed to grasp social care reform, often placing it in the 'too difficult' category. Not only is this unacceptable, it's getting to the point where it is simply unsustainable; the social care system desperately requires reform. This is an issue that matters everywhere but especially here in Teignbridge where we have an older than average population.

[A look ahead to May 17 - the next step on the 'roadmap to recovery'[.H2]

As this is the last column before May 17th, stage 3 of the roadmap out of lockdown, it is good opportunity to remind people what this means in practice.

At this stage all but the most high-risk sectors will be able to reopen. This includes all remaining accommodation and indoor hospitality, with no requirement for a substantial meal to be served alongside alcoholic drinks, and no curfew but requirement to order, eat and drink while seated ('table service') will remain. Likewise, remaining outdoor entertainment such as outdoor theatres and cinemas will reopen, alongside other indoor entertainment, such as museums, cinemas and children's play areas.

The 'Stay in the UK' regulation will lift on 17 May, meaning leisure travel from England will no longer be illegal. However, strict border control measures will remain in place as international travel gradually resumes and only 12 countries are currently on the green list.

Whilst this is all a promising step in the right direction, I would urge the government to continue to look at the data and be prepared to ease further restrictions before June 21st if possible.

If you would like to book a virtual surgery call or raise a specific issue, please call my office on 01626 368277 or email [email protected] to arrange an appointment.