There is an assumption in British politics that people from the different parties can never get along.

Certainly, if all you see in regards to politics is Prime Minister’s Questions and television shows like Question Time and The Politics Show you would be forgiven for thinking that.

But in fact, Prime Minister’s Questions is a very small part of the political week, and one in which Parliamentarians deliberately set themselves apart from each other. And TV shows can often be set up to ensure that guests have a “lively” conversation, with guests knowingly prodded and poked by presenters!

Of course, it is true that there are philosophical divides between politicians, and the online world can often see this magnified. After all, political parties represent different outlooks and beliefs.

I certainly have a different view of the world from my predecessor and I believe in certain and particular polices and a vision for our country. Interestingly, though, there can also be considerable divisions within political parties as much as between political parties. This is true of all political colours!

However, we sometimes forget that there is usually more that unites us than divides us. Quite often, we all want the same outcome but just have a different route to getting there. Politics is of course also about personalities.

I can have a view on a particular topic or issue but respect another person’s efforts or contribution.

I believe this is often proved true at the local level, and I have work with both Labour and Conservative councils – and indeed different local Labour and Conservative personalities.

We may have different views on certain subjects, but we are united in our desire to see the city succeed and continue to receive as much investment as possible.

This was brought home to me particularly over last week when I heard of the death of Cyril Weber.

Cyril was longstanding Labour Councillor for Harraby North in Carlisle, and someone who I had known for many years.

He made a huge contribution to his community and to Carlisle, and he will be a great loss to his family and friends – but also to the wider community and the city.

It is always important that we do have robust political debate – indeed, we owe that to the constituents who elect us. Competing views and visions for the future, with political parties who represent different communities, ideologies, and beliefs, are how decisions are made and society can progress and prosper.

However, we should never forget that at the end of the day people of whatever political persuasion are working hard for their community, their city, and their country to succeed.

Councillor Weber was one of these people, and he will be missed.