Shop owners have an opportunity to influence councillors and MPs ahead of the upcoming local elections in England and Northern Ireland, says former London district president Hetal Patel.

The owner of HRDV News in Maidenhead was visited by former prime minister and local MP Theresa May earlier this month to support local council candidates.

Patel told Better Retailing: “It was useful to get a couple of minutes to talk with her about the big retailer issues – crime and energy bills. On retail crime, I was asked to send details over to her.”

Candidates are often happy to visit shops when invited. Contact details for candidates are listed on local authority websites.

Polls in England open on 4 May, while Northern Ireland’s local elections take place on 18 May.

Read more politics news and articles for retailers