Being a councillor and serving our communities is a real honour and the role is certainly not something that I take lightly.
The job is extremely demanding and comes with great responsibilities, particularly in our digital age where we can engage with anyone around the clock and the spotlight feels constant.
I've been in a politics a long time and it can be highly emotive and challenging, but I want to help make positive change in our communities and that's what keeps me going.
As council leader I always intend on setting a good example and I'm incredibly passionate about getting all councillors to hold high standards in office.
It's a goal shared by our proactive Labour Prime Minister Andy Burnham and that's why the Labour party locally is pushing for national legislation for DBS checks for all councillors.
It's quite right that the government is approached on this and it's also only correct that this subject will be up for discussion at our meeting of Full Council next week when I table a motion on this very issue.
As councillors we are in trusted positions and we need to ensure we do everything possible to maintain the public's trust, otherwise we put democracy at risk.
Councillors visit schools, special schools and care homes so it is vitally important that appropriate safeguards are in place.
Peterborough United have made a positive start under new manager Robbie Savage after beating Ipswich Town Under 21s and Leicester City last Saturday; let's hope they can climb up the league table. But exciting things are now happening on and off the pitch!
Firstly, the Youth Employment Hub based at the Weston Homes Stadium has been a real success story since opening last year, helping young people aged 16–24 to get the skills, advice, and opportunities they need to succeed in education and work.
I met with Dean Watson, Manager of the Hub, last week, and it was great to hear about the work happening behind the scenes. It was particularly refreshing to see the club working with more diverse communities.
I was deeply honoured to be a special guest at the Muslim Council of Peterborough's Education Awards last week.
It was a fantastic event, with awards given to 112 children from 32 primary and secondary schools, madrassas and mosques across Peterborough.
I love being part of uplifting occasions like this, showcasing the talents of future generations in our vibrant city. It was also great to see that children are daring to dream big and I would like to thank everyone who organised the awards and took part.
Every rough sleeper in England will be offered accommodation this winter, following a pledge from Prime Minister Andy Burnham which we will deliver here in Peterborough.
Our outreach team will focus on helping people achieve sustainable outcomes, not simply moving them from one place to another. Many people sleeping rough have complex support needs that require long-term solutions.
It is an ambitious target, but ambition is necessary if we are to make meaningful progress. The key commitment is that everyone identified as sleeping rough is offered support and a route away from the streets.
Lastly, I wish to mention the concern from many residents about speeding cars, particularly during school drop-off and pick-up times.
One of many hotspots is Central Avenue in Dogsthorpe. I’m pleased to see our proactive Councillors Katy Cole and Jason McNally working with our Cabinet Member, Angus Ellis, on finding solutions. They have set up a petition to the Combined Authority which funds our Highways. Please engage with this petition once it goes live.
People who drive recklessly will still do so and should be held to account. Our city has seen lives lost as a result of this, and we will keep trying to protect our residents.