This is the Guardian.

Today, as millions of people in Britain prepare to vote for their local counsellors,

our political editor, Heather Stewart, explains why it's national issues and scandals

that are dominating the agenda.

It's fair to say that most years, Britain's don't exactly get excited about local elections.

Do you know anything about the local elections that are coming up?

No, no.

I don't know too much about the local elections.

With changeable weather and may bank holiday hangovers, most voters give them a miss.

I'm really sure that we're going to have a clue.

This time around, amid multiple Westminster scandals and the worst cost of living crisis

in a generation, tomorrow's local elections in England, Scotland and Wales have begun

to take on an outsize significance.

They're very important, I think.

For a couple of reasons, one is it's the first nationwide electoral test we've had since

the story of party gate broke.

Are you honest, Prime Minister?

I think you, yes, and I think that too.

The other reason is Labour will really be hoping that they can show some progress at local

level they might then be able to build on at the next general elections.

That's why these elections are so important, because they're about how Britain recovers.

Whether it's red walls, blue walls, green surges or supremacy in Scotland, party leaders

...