Thanks to so many people who attended the LGA’s recent annual conference, an especially vibrant and inspiring event.
Our group enjoyed special sessions on the main stage, with council leaders from across the country, on asylum seekers and on planning.
Huge thanks to you all for re-electing me as Leader of the LGA’s Independent Group. I look forward to working with you to help you do a great job for your councils and your residents.
Congratulations to Cllr Caroline Jackson on being elected as my Deputy. Caroline is a former Leader of Lancaster City Council, now Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness.
“Cross-party working is important if we are to get a better deal for local government”
Congratulations also to Cllr Andrew Cooper, from Kirklees Council, our elected Treasurer. Thanks to our group executive who continue to do a great job supporting our members.
Former Deputy Leader Cllr Hannah Dalton served on our executive, and the LGA’s Board, Executive Advisory Forum and Councillors Forum, and supported the Next Generation training and Candidate School.
On behalf of all Independents, thanks to Hannah for her excellent service and we look forward to working with her in her other roles.
It was a joy to speak at the LGA’s staff conference, where I took the opportunity to thank and congratulate our hardworking LGA staff and emphasise the importance of cross-party working if we are to get a better deal for local government.
The LGA continues to play a vital role in voicing our concerns and lobbying on behalf of all councils in England and Wales.