STEVEN Broomhead is chief executive of Warrington Borough Council and writes a regular column for the Warrington Guardian.

Rebuilding trust and hope in national politics is one of the new Government’s top priorities.

Evidence of the need to do exactly this can be found in the voter turnout figures in our last two major elections.

The ‘all out’ local election in May, which resulted in a new council, feels and looks much more inclusive and representative of the town.

This is in terms of its demographic and social make-up, but it had some concerning voter turnout rates.

These ranged from 19 per cent in Poplars and Hulme, to 33 per cent in Birchwood and 39 per cent in Appleton, with an average of 29 per cent across the borough.

These figures are approximately four to five per cent below turnout rates at our previous local elections.

In the July General Election, the turnout rates were 55.3 per cent for Warrington North and 62.7 per cent for Warrington South constituencies.

Again, these figures are three to four per cent below the turnout for previous General Elections, and in some parts of the country, the 2024 turnout figures were as low as 48 per cent.

Democracy matters, and voting matters more, and while individuals have a perfect right not to vote, it is not an encouraging situation.

Political engagement, the importance of political education in schools, encouraging political debate on local political issues and getting to know how to engage with local and national politicians are all vital to helping democracy thrive.

Equally, offering comments on the quality of the council’s services all shape the council’s responsiveness and its pursuit of continuous improvement.

I meet and converse with many individuals who have interesting views on a number of issues, and some people’s views and opinions could fill a ballot box very quickly.

I always remind them of the importance of engaging with their local elected politicians, who I know are ready and able to listen and respond.

While it may be some years before our next local and general elections, it is an opportunity to reflect on how we can take action, renew and refresh democracy.

An early step is to complete the voter registration forms that are now popping through your letter boxes.