On Thursday, May 2, voters go to the polls in local elections although for the Northwich area the only election is for the role of Cheshire police and crime commissioner (PCC).

The position of PCC is not widely understood but plays an important part in making our communities safer.

His or her aim is to cut crime and ensure Cheshire Police delivers an effective and efficient police service. They do this by setting local policing priorities and the budget.

The PCC is also elected to be the voice of the people by holding the chief constable and the force to account, making the police answerable to the communities they serve.

They also work in partnership across a range of agencies at local and national level to promote a unified approach to preventing and reducing crime.

Yet, despite the significance of the role, PCC elections regularly see a low turn-out.

Average turn-out across the country stood at just 34.1 per cent during the last PCC elections held in 2021. Here in Cheshire the figure was even worse at only 27 per cent.

This is not good for democracy. Only by taking part in this and other elections can we assert the right to have a say in how our nation and communities are governed.

Elsewhere in the country, local elections take place this Thursday to decide who runs many of our councils and the metro mayors who will lead combined authorities in places like Greater Manchester and Liverpool City Region.

May 2 will be a curtain-raiser to the general election expected later this year, providing a fascinating snapshot of the electorate's inclination towards various parties and candidates. Results will be scrutinised by pollsters and commentators for clues about the political pulse of the nation.

As a Labour MP, I’d quite naturally like you to support my party’s excellent PCC candidate in Dan Price but above all, I urge you to participate in the democratic process by using your vote this week and in future.

Do make sure you are informed and ready to back your chosen contender.

And don’t forget that anyone wishing to vote in person at the polling station (including those acting as a proxy), is now required to produce an accepted form of photographic ID to prove their identity before they will be issued with a ballot paper.

For more details, visit: www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk.