I was delighted to lead an LGA delegation to the UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) in Leeds last month.
The forum brings together leaders from national, regional and local government, including combined authorities, with investors, developers and senior figures from across the built environment sector.
The LGA was there to promote councils as leaders of their places. We worked with partners to showcase best practice, highlight our sector-led improvement offers and demonstrate leadership in policy advocacy – all with partnership working at the core.
It’s been almost a month since the 7 May local elections, but the LGA continues to support councils with the development of new political arrangements in areas affected by changes in political control, moves to no overall control, or changes in local priorities and leadership.
This is an incredibly demanding period for leaders and their teams, and the LGA is here to help you every step of the way. Please visit our councillor hub to find out more about our support for councillors, from newly elected to longer-serving leaders.
Following the local elections, the LGA’s political proportionality has changed, and I look forward to welcoming and working with our newest group – the Green Party.
As chair, I am committed to working cross-party, with all our political groups, to strengthen our sector and champion our member councils in leading thriving communities.
Finally, I wanted to pay tribute to Cllr Joe Harris, who has stepped down as Vice-Chair of the LGA and Leader of the LGA’s Liberal Democrat Group after five years. Joe has worked tirelessly to support councils and deliver progress on your priorities, working constructively across party lines. I wish him every success for the future.
I welcome and congratulate his successor, Cllr Bridget Smith, with whom I’ve worked on the LGA Board. I know the deep expertise she offers to our sector and her commitment to our organisation, its cross-party tradition and our members.