Given the events of the past few years, any Conservative politician could be forgiven for being disenchanted with the world of politics. But the fact is there are thousands of Conservative council members up and down the country working hard to make life better for people in their communities, regardless of politics.
Among them is Andrew Gardiner, who leads leads Lancaster City Council's Conservative group and is also a Lancashire county councillor. Last year, he took a break from city council meetings for health reasons - but now he's back, and is promising to "make some more noise again".
Coun Gardiner has been elected as a city councillor three times, first in 2015, and twice to the county council in 2017 and 2021. He previously served on the former South Lakelands District Council.
As a youngster, Coun Gardiner grew up in Aldershot, Hampshire. His father was a Labour councillor there who later became a Conservative. Coun Gardiner moved north in 2007 and bought a Manchester estate agency business. But, like so many others, he 'lost everything' in the 2010 recession.
Family and dyslexia
Reflecting on his family, Coun Gardiner said: "My dad, Tony Gardiner, was a Labour councillor in Aldershot. He had to enforce the party whip and was in a trade union.
"But he was asked to join the Conservatives in 1979. He's definitely got Conservative views now. He served 22 years as a councillor and was later made an alderman.
"He entered politics for the same reasons as I - to cut through red tape and help everyone. And he got that outlook from his nan, who grew up in Ireland. That's where the ethics to help people came from.
"I'm dyslexic. At school, I was told I was thick and stupid. I was given detention because I couldn't understand questions on the blackboard.
"But dyslexic children are very clever. They just need better help.
"They cannot be left by the wayside. I believe all children should understand the word 'aspire', to be confident and grow through education.
"Today, some schools have special educational needs teachers with dedicated times but other schools do not. It's terrible that we are still failing some children.
"Confidence for all children is really important. Despite my appearance in political debates, I actually don't have much confidence."
From South Lakeland to Lancaster
After moving north, Coun Gardiner was elected to the former South Lakeland District Council as a councillor for Grange over Sands in 2011, serving four years with the authority. He recalled: "I was not very popular with the Lib Dems.
"I faced about 14 standards complaints, often about my language. The complaints were not upheld but I did change the tone of my language.
"Today, when I'm in the council chamber I might act in a certain way and be politically-opinionated. But outside, I like to have good relationships with all councillors, if possible.
"Over the years, I've had a few run-ins with council chief executives. But I think Mark Davies at Lancaster City Council is brilliant. His door is always open and you can have a frank discussion. And I'm glad I was part of the recruitment team who selected him."
The first opportunity to stand for Lancaster City Council came when Coun Gardiner and his wife Shirley moved to the Morecambe area, where she had a shop. Comparing district and county council roles, he said: "There's a massive jump from being a district to a county councillor.
"If I had to chose, I prefer county work. I'm particularly interested in housing and education. That's why I wanted to become a county councillor.
"We all have our personal ambitions. I felt Parliament was out of reach, but felt I could make it to the county.
Council shake-up
Lancashire devolution and local government reorganisation has been a hot topic in the news currently. In the past, Coun Gardiner was interested in the potential for a new unitary council covering Lancaster, Morecambe Bay and south Cumbria.
But the idea was rejected by a previous government because it crossed traditional county boundaries. Today, the idea is not an option in the latest devolution or council reform ideas from the new government. Nonetheless, he believes bigger unitary councils are needed, one way or another.
"Ideally, I think we should have a new unitary authority for Lancaster, Morecambe and the surrounding area," said Coun Gardiner. "That would reduce costs, be more effective and stop some duplication.
"In politics, the 'three Es' are important - being effective, efficient and economical. Some people argue that creating two or three new unitary authorities across Lancashire could be right. But we have to be sure new authorities would be financially strong.
"The current problem is that Blackburn and Blackpool councils are not strong enough on their own. There are massive costs with adult social care and children's care.
"I do think the Lancashire devolution plan will open the door for new opportunities to come. But we cannot just simply split up Lancashire because there are many things to consider, including funding the fire service and police. And I don't think anybody wants an elected Lancashire mayor.
"The current Lancashire devolution plan has a £20 million offer. Things will probably develop. Arrangements will become more integrated.
"I'm excited to see what is coming. For example, Blackpool has fantastic transport which could can help the whole of Lancashire including rural areas. I also think the devolution process will attract employers, knowing Lancashire is pulling together. "
Conservative losses
The number of Conservatives at Lancaster City Council fell in the 2024 local elections. Reflecting on that, Coun Gardiner said: "We lost some good councillors and it's been difficult for those who lost their seats.
"Everyone was anti-Conservative in 2024. But I'm sure we'll have more Conservatives again.
"But even though we lost seats, Conservatives have made significant progress at Lancaster City Council. We pushed to get council offices reopened to the public all day after the pandemic era. It was a big issue, it has happened and it was in our manifesto.
"Conservatives also suffer from the presence of the Morecambe Bay Independents. They take some of our vote.
"Lancaster City Council covers two big towns, Lancaster and Morecambe, which can be a challenge for parties. That's another reason why a bigger unitary council could be more beneficial for the area than the current smaller city council boundaries."
Lancaster City Council has seen some drama in recent months. Late last year, Labour Coun Phillip Black resigned as council leader and Labour ended its cross-party cabinet with the Greens.
Then Green Coun Caroline Jackson became leader for the second time. The new cabinet has Greens, Lib Dems and Morecambe Bay Independents (MBIs). Labour are the official opposition.
Coun Gardiner said: "I was really disappointed when Phillip Black resigned. He had six months left as leader.
"I offered him the chance to stay as a Labour minority administration and we'd support him. But he wanted stability. I also think some Labour councillors were not happy with the cross-party pact.
"Now, the MBIs have done a deal with the Greens and Lib Dems. But it will not bring stability to the council chamber, in my view.
"All we need is a few councillors to miss a meeting to see pressures on votes and decisions. The Conservatives couldn't work with the Greens. We're too different.
"But regarding the new cross-party cabinet, I'd like to have councillor Martin Bottoms' Morecambe regeneration role. Nick Wilkinson has a similar Lancaster role. The creation of those roles has been interesting.
"We now have a Labour government. Funding activity is under-way for the Eden Project in Morecambe, which the town's previous Conservative MP David Morris played a big role in.
"I'd like to see other Morecambe investment projects too including at the Arndale shopping centre. I'd like it turned into a discount centre - a shopping freeport. Something different to attract people."
Energy and homes
Last year, Lancaster City Council gained planning permission for a new solar energy farm near Lancaster University. The council has ambitions to produce local renewable energy along with other energy efficiency projects, such as better home insulation and heating.
Coun Gardiner said: "I think we should focus on housing, recycling and parks rather than going into energy farms. Will we be able to produce enough energy? Will we blot our landscape with turbines?
"Other councils have had their fingers burnt with new projects. Councils are not there to run businesses. We are there to run services and should be business-like, I believe.
"If we do something big, the city council's idea for a local authority trading company (LATCo) in housing was a big opportunity. Have we missed that opportunity?
"The LATCo is currently frozen, but we have a housing task force looking at opportunities. We should get a few successful people to join a LATCo board."
Away from work, Coun Gardiner supports Chelsea and Aldershot football clubs. He likes music acts including Meat Loaf, Bob Dylan, James, The Beautiful South and a bit of classical music.
He added: "I like Paul Heaton. He sang with The Beautiful South when younger and is now a solo performer. He's a socialist, unlike me, but his songs are great."
