News

Cllr Eamonn O’Brien, the new Chair of the LGA, has called on the next Prime Minister to deliver ‘real devolution’, with power focused as near as possible to the communities it affects.

After a period of ill health and having been away from the organisation since January, Joanna Killian has decided that she will not be returning to the LGA and will be stepping down from her role as Chief Executive.

The LGA Labour Group has now completed its own internal elections and has announced that it will nominate Cllr Eamonn O’Brien for the position of LGA Chair. 

Cllr Louise Gittins has today announced her intention to stand down as Chair of the Local Government Association.

“Local government is at its strongest when we speak with one voice to national government on the many challenges facing our sector right now, including the acute pressures that councils face along with the ever-increasing demand for their services that so many people rely upon every day.

Dennis Skinner will retire on 31 December 2025 after 22 years of exceptional leadership within the IDeA and LGA.

Andrea Newman, currently Strategic Director of Communications and Engagement at Surrey County Council, has been appointed as our Director of Communications and Engagement, joining the extended Strategic Leadership Team.

Helen Jenkins, currently the LGA’s Joint Head of Leadership and Interim Head of Improvement Coordination and Strategy, will join the Strategic Leadership Team as Assistant Chief Executive. 

“We are delighted that the Government has acted on our call for a relationship reset and a new way of working with local government."

Alastair Campbell, currently Interim Director of Communications and Engagement at Southwark Council, has been appointed as Interim Director of Communications and will join the LGA from 2 September for six months.