I started 2021 by unfortunately testing positive for Covid-19 on New Year’s Day. But I am now on the road to recovery after receiving invaluable and efficient care and advice from the NHS.

The continuing rollout of the Covid-19 vaccines is something which will give hope to many after we have seen so many terrible deaths during this pandemic. The leader of the council has called for more doses to be made available in the borough and I have no doubt that the pace will soon pick up. Please take the vaccine when you are invited to.

While it is sad to hear that over 200 businesses in the borough who received a Covid-19 enforcement visit were not complying with the national rules, I’m nonetheless heartened that council officers managed to visit 1,800 businesses in January and most of those who weren’t complying simply required more help and advice to do their part in keeping everyone safe.

I am also very pleased to hear that councillors are backing the creation of a freeport on the Thames near the Ford plant in Dagenham. This kind of regeneration is exactly what’s needed to help the borough with its post-Covid recovery.

Elsewhere, British Gas is the latest company to try to use a “fire and rehire” policy to reduce workers’ pay and terms and conditions. I have condemned this, as has Sadiq Khan, and I am working with the GMB union to get British Gas to come back to the negotiating table.