Govind Nair recently assumed the role of parish councillor for the ward of Durham South following this month’s bumper crop of local elections. The second-year PPE student at St Aidan’s College joins the council as a representative of the Labour Party and more broadly, Durham University’s student voice. Palatinate spoke to Nair about his vision for the future both locally and nationally, for the wider Labour Party. Parish councillors are essentially “the middleman between the residents and the County Council.” Nair explains, “We represent the views of the residents of the City of Durham.” He adds that, despite limited decision-making powers, parish councillors act as vital advocates for the locals and students they represent. The City of Durham Parish Council came into being just three years ago and is made up of 15 councillors.