The LGA is hosting a virtual national welcome event for newly elected councillors on 20 June, following May’s local elections.
The free event will be an opportunity for new councillors to explore what their role means; learn about challenges facing councils; meet colleagues from other councils; and learn more about the support available to them.
The session, designed to complement councils’ induction support for new members, will cover a range of national issues and includes an opportunity to meet experienced councillors – see www.local.gov.uk/events to find out more and book a place.
New councillors can also access relevant information on the LGA’s new councillor hub.
Around 5,600 councillors were elected or re-elected to 168 councils across England and Wales on 5 May, with opposition parties making gains.
The results are used to determine the political balance of the LGA, with the political groups then using their respective methods of selection to fill the seats on policy boards and chair and vice-chair positions apportioned to them by 1 September, the start of the LGA’s political year.
The Conservatives remain the largest group at the LGA, on 38.2 per cent (39.85 per cent in 2021/22) and retain the chairmanship of the organisation.
Labour now stands at 35.9 per cent (previously 35.8 per cent), with the Liberal Democrats on 13.2 per cent (12.46 per cent), and the Independents on 12.7 per cent (11.89 per cent).