Last week I spoke to The MJ about our plans in Kingston upon Thames to introduce powers of recall, giving our residents the opportunity to ‘sack’ bad councillors.

I am grateful for the support we have received to date for these plans from the likes of Lord Bew, our local MP, Zac Goldsmith, and many others. Mr Goldsmith in particular has been a long-time proponent for these powers over members of Parliament. In Westminster, this has now been passed into law.

However, I want us to go further in local government. The current system relies on recalcitrant MPs being judged by a committee of their peers. I want to place this power in the hands of the local people who elect councillors in the first place.