Less than a week to go

This time next week we will be counting the votes in the four counting centres across the county. First unitary results should start to be announced at around noon with the final results known by around 3pm. You’ll be able to follow these on the web, our twitter account or BBC Wiltshire. Then we’ll move onto the town and parish counting and results which should all be declared by around 5pm. All very exciting, if like me you’re a bit of an election junky. With the simultaneous announcement of the General Election, the election team and many other staff are working flat out. Long 12 hour plus days, most weekends and the bank holidays too. Tomorrow we’re packing the ballot boxes for collection by the presiding officers and poll clerks next week. I would like to thank you all for your commitment and selflessness in supporting this important work. 

In preparation for the Monday following the election, Carolyn and I have alternative draft business plans written (depending on who wins the election) for the new executive. This is together with a full programme of cabinet decisions and supporting papers that need to be taken to continue our work, development of the organisation and the services it delivers along with the major policy decisions that need to be taken affecting the county. The next four years are going to be very challenging for local government across the country but we’re well positioned to continue our journey of high performance service delivery, innovation, change and focusing on the priorities of the individuals, families, communities and businesses across Wiltshire.

Now back to the election… 33,000 postal votes received, opened, scanned and processed so far and they’re coming in at a rate of around 3,500 per day.

Speak again soon. For daily updates, discussion, personal opinion, comment or just to connect or keep in touch you can follow me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/drcarltonbrand.

Carlton