As we head towards Christmas Day we just wanted to wish you a happy Christmas. This year has been like no other but we have been so proud of the way you have continued to work hard to support local people. Labour people have shown what friendship really means; helping and supporting, delivering meals, collecting prescriptions and doing everything possible to make sure local people can get through these tough times.

 

It’s been amazing to see the response of county council workers, teachers and school staff, the NHS and social care, the police, shop workers, delivery drivers and the many people in front of or behind the scenes who have been keeping us fed, supplied and cared for. We will never forget the dedication of these people and sacrifices they have made and continue to make for other people.

 

As well as dealing with the here and now, Labour people have also been looking at future. You’ve been working hard with us to develop our manifesto for the 2021 county elections. We are immensely grateful for the input everyone has had and will continue to have as we lead up to the elections. You’re showing that if everyone works together, everything is better.

 

As we hear about even more restrictions and new variants of Covid, which seems to be doing an excellent job of outsmarting us, we must still do everything in our power to keep ourselves and other people safe. The vaccination programme promises a light at the end of the tunnel. In the meantime it will still be about maintaining social distance, hand washing and face coverings.

 

We are sure, like us, you are missing the hugs of those you love. The more we can stick to the guidance, the sooner we can catch up on those hugs.

 

From both of us and the whole Labour Group we wish you a happy Christmas and the best possible festive season it is possible to have in these strange times.

 

We look forward to a better, fairer and safer 2021 and a Labour-led county council!

 

Happy Christmas

 

Susan & Scott