The effort to vaccinate the public against covid19 continues at truly remarkable pace. I write in mid-February, so cannot reflect on the PM’s statement about the route out of restrictions.

So instead, I want to offer my heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in the rollout of the vaccine in South Shropshire. I received my jab at Ludlow Hospital last month, and having been forced to shield for much of the pandemic, I joined in the enormous sense of relief felt by all who have been vaccinated against this wretched virus

As I write, Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin have administered over 40,000 doses in the past week alone. So I am deeply grateful to our local GPs, but also NHS staff, Shropshire Council staff, RAF medics at Ludlow Racecourse, volunteers from Shropshire Fire & Rescue, and many members of the community including retired clinicians, and public spirited folk, braving the chill and wet weather to help get the most vulnerable in our community vaccinated.

I also want to thank the generosity of those supporting the vaccine programme. I know local businesses and individuals have been coming forward to offer snacks and hot drinks to health staff, which really does reflect the best of our community, not least during February’s cold snap.

The immense progress the country has made towards vaccination allows us to plan further ahead, and last month, the government confirmed that Local, Mayoral and Police & Crime Commissioner elections would go ahead as planned in May. In Shropshire, that means voting will take place to elect all local Shropshire Councillors, and the Police & Crime Commissioner for West Mercia, as well as local town and parish councils.

When the pandemic hit last year, some elections were postponed. But we know much more about COVID19 now, and other countries have shown successful elections can take place within covid-secure guidelines – including in Ireland, France, Portugal, Israel, South Korea, and the United States. We will have reached all 9 cohorts of the vaccination programme by the Spring, which means everyone over 50 will have been offered a vaccine. So we can commit to go ahead with these polls with confidence.

The government is working with the Electoral Commission to ensure a safe election. The changes for voters and election staff will be similar to those made for workplaces up and down the country during the pandemic. Voters (and companions of disabled voters) should bring their mask, as they would wear in any indoor public place, and are encouraged to bring a pen or pencil with which to mark their ballot paper.

But if you are concerned, please consider applying for a postal or proxy vote ahead of the polls. You can find more information on how to apply at https://www.shropshire.gov.uk/elections-and-electoral-registration/voting-and-elections/postal-and-proxy-voting/

The pandemic does of course mean quite a significant change for those campaigning. You may not receive a knock on the door from rosette-wearing candidates, and as I write, political campaigning is not considered essential activity, so you should not get leaflets through your door unless they are posted via Royal Mail – though one party has irresponsibly chosen to ignore these rules in parts of the county.

But these elections are important – they will determine your voice in town or parish councils, in Shirehall, and the oversight of your local Police service. So it is right we do not delay democracy any longer than we must, and voters can head to the polls with confidence on 6th May.