AS PEOPLE read this article, voting will have already started for the East Lothian Council elections.

Can I encourage people of whatever political persuasion to vote and use your democratic will?

Last week, I wrote about my 15 years as a councillor and my time as a council leader.

Local authorities look after education, social care, waste collection, leisure facilities and the environment amongst others. They make decisions on planning applications, transport strategies and economic development.

The council is our biggest employer and leads on many issues in East Lothian.

In my first year as your MSP, I have worked with the council on many issues such as those mentioned above.

East Lothian has both challenges and opportunities for the new councillors and the new administration.

The most pressing challenge is that of the cost of living crisis.

Foodbank usage in March had a 104 per cent increase year on year in East Lothian. Foodbanks need additional support in terms of resource, donations and financial support.

The recent energy price rises have already seen a major spike in my case work in the last few weeks; combine this with record inflation, National Insurance hikes and the recent cut in Universal Credit – there are tough times ahead.

Our biggest opportunity is that of renewable green jobs and the ability to enhance a skills base that can support and enhance our local supply chain and manufacturing sector.

Retrofitting our housing stock to meet the net-zero challenge is a daunting challenge, but we have the ability to scope a clear way ahead in that regard, creating local jobs.

I have held initial meetings with the energy sector collectively as well as the retrofitting sector. The council, skills groups, colleges, universities and businesses have all be involved. Follow-up meetings are already planned.

I am looking forward to working with whoever is elected this week, whatever the political persuasion they may have.

Make sure you vote today, use your democratic right to shape local service delivery.