The LGA’s General Assembly will elect a new LGA chair next week, after current incumbent, Cllr Louise Gittins, announced last month that she would be standing down.
The LGA’s Labour Group, as the association’s largest political group, has nominated Cllr Eamonn O’Brien to succeed Cllr Gittins.
Cllr O’Brien was first elected to Bury Council in 2014 and has been its Leader since 2020. He also holds the portfolio for technical education and skills, and clean air at the Greater Manchester Combined Authority. He has worked with the LGA as a Regional Lead Peer, supporting councils in the North East and Yorkshire & Humber.
Cllr Emily O’Brien (no relation), Cabinet Member for Climate, Nature and Food Systems at Lewes District Council, will also be voted in at General Assembly as the first Leader of the new LGA Green Group.
General Assembly takes place in Bournemouth, on the first day of the LGA’s annual conference and exhibition from 7-9 July.
Around 1,600 delegates are expected to attend, with confirmed keynote speakers including: Steve Reed OBE MP, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government; his Opposition Shadow, Sir James Cleverly MP; Baroness Louise Casey, Chair of the Independent Commission on Adult Social Care; and Lord Victor Adebowale CBE, Chair of the NHS Alliance.