The next generation

Nurturing effective political leaders

For the past 20 years, the LGA’s Next Generation programme has been nurturing hundreds of talented councillors and equipping them with the skills, confidence and networks to become effective political leaders.

As the programme marks its 20th anniversary, it stands as one of the most distinctive leadership development opportunities available to elected members from the LGA’s Political Leadership offer. 

Uniquely designed within party political traditions, with a tailored programme for councillors represented by the LGA’s Independent Group, Next Generation has helped ambitious councillors from across the political spectrum take the next step in their leadership journey.

At the heart of Next Generation are three core themes: personal leadership, political leadership, and communication and media skills. 

Through a series of residential modules, delegates are encouraged to examine their own leadership styles, understand the practical realities of governance and policy development, and develop the communication skills essential for modern political leadership.

The programme challenges participants to think deeply about their role as elected representatives. Councillors are supported to define a clear vision for their area, council or political group, while remaining grounded in the values that first inspired them to enter public service.

Beyond the formal learning, however, many alumni point to the relationships built through Next Generation as one of its most enduring strengths. Participants meet councillors from across the country, learn from one another’s experiences, and form lasting networks of peers and critical friends. 

These connections often continue long after the programme has ended, creating a growing community of leaders united by a shared passion for local government.

Over two decades, the programme has helped raise the profile of emerging leaders at both local and national levels. Many former delegates have gone on to senior leadership positions within their councils, political groups and local government organisations, carrying forward the lessons and confidence gained through their Next Generation experience.

As it enters its third decade, the 2026/27 programme will see the introduction of dedicated Next Generation programmes for the LGA’s Reform UK and Green Party Groups, broadening its reach and ensuring even more emerging local leaders can benefit from this unique development opportunity.

• For more information, please visit the LGA website or email catherine.banks@local.gov.uk or your LGA political group office

‘Better equipped to represent residents’

The LGA Labour Next Generation programme has been instrumental in my journey as a political leader. 

It has strengthened my leadership skills, enhanced my strategic thinking, and given me the confidence to navigate the complexities of local government more effectively. 

Learning alongside talented councillors from across the country, receiving mentoring, and reflecting on my own leadership style has helped me grow both personally and professionally.

The programme has improved my ability to communicate a clear vision, build strong collaborative relationships, and influence decision-making within the council and with partners.

By focusing on personal leadership, political leadership and effective communication, it has equipped me with practical skills that I apply in my role every day.

The knowledge, confidence and networks I have gained through the programme have supported my journey in becoming the leader in Wigan. I feel better equipped to represent residents, support colleagues and contribute to shaping the borough’s future. 

Above all, the programme has reinforced my commitment to inclusive leadership, partnership working and delivering positive outcomes for our communities. It has provided a strong foundation for my continued growth, enabling me to take on greater responsibility with confidence and make a meaningful contribution to Wigan’s ambitions and long-term success.

‘Vital perspectives on best practice’

It was only by chance of a kind referral that I even heard of the Next Generation programme. I wrongly assumed that as a councillor, you receive little professional development beyond the basic training. After all, councillors are not employees and are often part-time, juggling many other jobs and duties. 

I was impressed by the LGA’s dedication and how we were nurtured, under the leadership of Kyle Evans, Head of the Conservative Group Office, who delivered an exciting programme of speakers and workshops, from handling the media from the experts to how local government finance really operates.

From officer-councillor relationships to leadership styles, public speaking to cabinet structures, the programme unlocked potential from across our cohort on how we can effectively operate and lead on our councils.

The fellowship of meeting Conservative councillors from across the country taught me vital perspectives on local government best practice. Learning from experience and representation from a variety of age groups significantly contributed to the valuable programme that the LGA kindly provided for us. 

I strongly urge any councillor to apply for the Next Generation programme, no matter your age. 

You will make friends, develop your potential and expand your councillor toolkit.

‘Finding collective and individual purpose’

A few hardy souls had taken a day off work and would not be canvassing in their council wards for the weekend. 

They had travelled to a hotel/conference centre in the Midlands to begin the Liberal Democrat stream of the LGA Next Generation leadership scheme. 

This was the 2015 cohort. On the face of things, we were to learn the skills to turn us into future leaders. 

But the meeting was not long after our pummelling at that year’s general election, so there were existential matters to discuss as well. We did not only need coaching. We needed healing and an injection of focus. 

Over the course of several months of weekends away and day trips, we did not just heal. We found collective and individual purpose. 

Through coaching, discussion, internal reflection and debate, we built personal, professional and political plans. My training equipped me to serve as a committee chair, cabinet member and parliamentary candidate. 

I have no doubt that the skills and resilience I learned on Next Generation helped me recover and plan afresh for the 2024 general election after a crushing defeat in 2019. The course certainly made me a better politician – and probably a better person too.

‘Building the confidence to ask difficult questions’

The Next Generation Programme was not simply about developing new skills, it was also about building confidence – the confidence to ask difficult questions, to challenge constructively.

Confidence to recognise that effective leadership isn’t measured by how long you’ve held a position, but by the difference you make while you’re there. 

Regardless of what career background you come from, politics has a way of humbling you initially and temporarily knocking one’s confidence.

One of the highlights for me was the public speaking session. It significantly improved the quality of my public speaking and gave me practical techniques for managing nerves and overcoming imposter syndrome – so be comfortable with being uncomfortable.

I left the programme better prepared than when I started – not because I now have all the answers, but because I know how to ask better questions, seek out collaborations, and continue learning.

Learning alongside councillors from different authorities, with different experiences and perspectives, reminded me that while our communities are unique, authority sizes may differ or even demographics, many of the challenges we face are shared.

Yes, you’ll gain knowledge but also build lasting friendships so you can share ideas. To anyone considering an application, my advice is simple: do it!