LIFE is tough right now and Covid-19 has clearly affected every one of us.

For a long time, it felt like there was nowhere to look for even just a shred of positivity, but now with the incredible roll out of the vaccine and the Prime Ministers roadmap, we’re beginning to think about the better days ahead and better times to come.

On Wednesday I felt inspired by the chancellor’s budget. It was an ambitious forward-thinking plan to deal with the serious economic impacts of Covid-19.

Big changes were announced. Rishi Sunak was very honest about that. The headlines will of course be about the welcome additional financial packages that will help us recover but a word needs to be said about the exciting introduction of a free port for the Solent.

The introduction of free ports is so exciting, and we can make the most of it here with the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership predicting the plan could generate 50,000 jobs, more than half of them in the Solent area.

But ask yourself this, do you feel that your current local Labour leaders really have the vision and ambition to maximise our opportunities to thrive after we’re able to recover?

Millions of pounds are currently being wasted on the Labour Council’s reckless efforts to remove highway infrastructure and force motorists out of Southampton.

Instead of this unnecessary waste of money, we should be making it easier for us to travel within our city to live and work, whilst making this an even more attractive place to visit.

We are at a turning point. The upcoming local elections in May give us the opportunity to change direction and create a positive vision for Southampton’s future.

Only by electing a Conservative council can we maximise the opportunities for Southampton.

Vote for your local Conservatives in May and let’s Get Southampton Moving.

Elliot Prior

Conservative Southampton City Councillor for Bitterne