If the old saying that a week is a long time in politics is true, then the last month feels like a lifetime, as we have seen the resignation of the Prime Minister and significant changes in the ministerial team at the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC).
I would like to thank Michael Gove, Kemi Badenoch, Stuart Andrew and Neil O’Brien for their engagement during their time at DLHUC, and wish them all the best for the future.
“The voice of Conservative councillors needs to be clearly heard during the leadership contest”
Our new Secretary of State, Greg Clark, is a familiar figure, having previously held the role. Along with Conservative Group colleagues, it was great to meet Greg and the new members of the team – Marcus Jones (who we also know well from his previous time in the department), Paul Scully and Lia Nici – shortly after their appointments.
We also look forward to continuing to work with Eddie Hughes and Lord Harrington, the two members of the previous team who remain in post.
The voice of Conservative councillors needs to be clearly heard during the leadership contest, and the LGA’s Conservative Group has produced a manifesto to highlight the most important issues for local government and our key asks of Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss, the two candidates to progress to the membership ballot.
With the contest concluding in early September, I look forward to congratulating the new Prime Minister in that month’s edition of first. In the meantime, I hope that you are all able to enjoy some rest over the summer break.