So many major news stories emerged from this year’s local and European elections – from Ukip’s European triumphs to the woes of the Lib Dems and Nick Clegg – that one local controversy went relatively unnoticed. This was the allegation – made by local Labour MP Kate Green – that an unnamed councillor in Trafford had been heard to say in a polling station that a person with a learning disability “shouldn’t be voting”. To her credit, returning officer Theresa Grant immediately launched an investigation into the matter.
Two years ago Lorraine Menzies was left “heartbroken” when she lost her job of 16 years with North East Lincolnshire Council. But almost immediately, she was thrust into the role of full-time carer, as one family member after another was struck down by illness. Simon Faulkner reports.
