I write this column on the train back to Westminster after a fantastic set of results in the local and mayoral elections in Trafford. Andy Burnham won a third term as Metro Mayor where he won every ward in Trafford, a real testament to what he’s delivered here for residents. I look forward to working with him to see what we will achieve over his next term.

Trafford’s ruling Labour Group took another two seats bringing the group to a staggering 43 of 63 seats, the biggest ever since the borough was created 50 years ago. This has not come about easily, local councillors are out in their wards and in the borough year-round, come hail or shine, speaking to residents, and picking up casework. I started off as a local councillor many years ago and I know how hard they work to do the best for all their residents in really challenging times with ever diminishing government funding. Since 2010, Trafford Council have lost over £288m from their budget.

Cllr Tom Ross, the leader of Trafford Council and his executive work hard along with officers to deliver a balanced budget. Nearly 60 per cent of the council’s budget is used to provide essential services to Trafford’s most vulnerable children and adults, services where we are seeing significant increases in costs and a growing need for support. Despite this, over the past few years, to name just a few highlights they have ensured investment in our town centres with work already started on Stretford’s transformation and Altrincham's Stamford Quarter is also well-underway and Sale town centre is looking fabulous.

They are supporting the delivery of 1000s of homes and jobs in new communities at Trafford Waters, Trafford Wharf and the Civic Quarter and I was particularly pleased to see the delivery of the first social-rent homes in Trafford for over a decade. We have some beautiful parks and green spaces in Trafford, The council have secured over £3m in grants for improvements to Longford Park and raised £1m in funding for investment at Crossford Bridge playing fields here in Sale.

Ulrich Savary in Broadheath ward and Keleigh Glenton in Manor ward both won by slim margins, but I don’t doubt they will see increased majorities, as many of their colleagues on Trafford Council did last week. These results are well deserved and illustrate how hard work, being visible in your community and being accessible to and known by your residents pay off. Congratulations to everyone who took part in this democratic process, whether as agent, counting staff or candidate. It takes a lot to put yourself forward for office – and it’s a real honour to be selected to do so.

Mike Kane is the MP for Wythenshawe and Sale East.