In early November, I had the honour of hosting Harlow’s annual Civic Service at St Paul’s. It was a moving and memorable occasion—not just because of the music, the readings, and the warm hospitality, but because it reminded me why these events still matter. We live in a time when the idea of citizenship can…

During half-term, I returned to Ireland – not as a tourist, but as a son and grandson, tracing the lives and legacies of those buried in Bray, Greystones, and Deans Grange. These places hold memories not just of people I loved, but of an Ireland that too often gets lost in the headlines. When people…

September arrives with its usual flurry—new uniforms, fresh timetables, parents half-wishing for another week of summer but mostly relieved the house has quieted down. But the return to school should also be a moment for reflection. What exactly are we sending our children back into? And are we, as a society, doing right by them?…

When I first accepted the role of Chair of Harlow Council, I was under no illusions. Some view civic roles as relics—dignified but largely ceremonial. A chance to wear the chain, cut a few ribbons, and pose for photographs. But I’ve come to believe, more than ever, that in an age of cynicism, symbols still…

One of the ironies of modern British politics is that the closer you get to the ground, the more sense things tend to make. In Westminster, it’s often all theatre. A daily churn of headlines, spin, and increasingly empty exchanges. But in local government—the town halls, parish councils, scrutiny committees—you encounter something far more real:…