Hope and collaboration at Independents’ conference
The LGA Independent Group Annual Political Conference 2026 was a powerful affirmation of hope and our political dynamism.
Our theme for the conference was ‘Resilience for councillors, community and place’ and, with this golden thread, over the two days we explored practical pathways to sustain ourselves, our councils, and the people we serve.
We examined finances, as our councils continue to navigate financial pressures that often test our ability to deliver for our residents and communities.
We demystified artificial intelligence and digital transformation, so we can proactively shape technology to build resilient, connected communities.
We thought about climate change and our role in community engagement, understanding and leadership.
We reflected on resilience in our personal wellbeing, because the work we do is demanding, often emotionally heavy, and sometimes lonely – but we have to remain effective and still human in demanding times.
We considered the need for local leaders to understand and support their communities’ mental wellbeing amid unprecedented global change, reinforcing that healthy communities start with supported leaders.
We heard about the LGA’s work on social cohesion and resilience, and what we as councillors can do.
We took some time to share our thoughts on electoral resilience in this time of political pluralism, ensuring our democratic structures remain robust.
We concluded by looking forward, imagining how we can build a world where future generations thrive, weaving every theme into a unified vision of hopeful and sustainable futures.
The real success of events such as these are the opportunities to share ideas, knowledge and personal experiences, not just being informed, but connected and inspired.
One delegate shared that when they had arrived at the conference, they had felt tired and emotional but were leaving excited and hopeful.
Resilience is not an abstract concept but the lived reality for many Independent and Green councillors – especially as they hold fast to their values when the political winds blow hard, recognising their courage to be distinctive voices in their councils.
I’d like to thank the amazing speakers who supported our event, including: Jo Wall, Senior Strategy Director at Local Partnerships; Matt Masters, Executive and Leadership Coach from the consultancy Truth about Local Government; Edward Davie from Better Mental Health Training and Tower Hamlets Council; Nadeem Siddique, Head of Service Community Relations and Cohesion at Leeds City Council; Dr Pedi Obani, University of Bradford; Pam Duke, LGA Finance Improvement and Sustainability Associate; Cllr Dr Paul Harvey, Leader of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council; Justin Griggs, Head of Policy and Communications at the National Association of Local Councils; and Rob Hopkins, author and co-founder of the Transition Network.
We also had great support from several members of staff who shared how the LGA can continue to support our members.
The success of the 2026 LGA Independent Group Annual Conference was that in this time of uncertainty, a theme emerged: resilience is woven from strong collaboration, deep community bonds and our shared belief in the power of local government to deliver for our communities.
- Find out more about the work of the LGA’s Independent Group.