Political leadership: Mole Valley District Council

Context / setting the scene:

• May 2018 elections – there was a change from a small Conservative majority administration to a Conservative led joint administration with the Independents.
• May 2019 elections – there was a change from a joint Conservative / Independent administration to majority Liberal Democrat administration. It was known in an advance that the former Leader was standing down and there would be a new leader. 

Actions taken:

• Read through manifestos to pick out key themes.
• Identified what key topics the new administration would need to be briefed on and handled sensitively and urgently e.g. Local Plan.
• Booked in briefings in advance so key staff were available.
• Pulled out key points for new portfolio holders – what do they need to know immediately? We can’t expect them to be experts from day one. 
• Arranged external peer support from the outset – gives the leader someone other than the CEX to talk through issues with.
• Organised early briefings for staff by the new leader on the potential changes and any impact – providing reassurance especially if there is a change in policy direction. 

The impact:

• The new administration was able to make considered but quick decisions on key issues – e.g. deciding to reflect and pause on the Local Plan and then issuing a new timetable.
• There was a smooth transition for staff.
• Clear communications from the administration to their communities on key issues..
• Processes were not changed immediately but instead have evolved more over time – changed by evolution.

Key learnings and tips:

• Always maintain good relationships with members from all parties and support all members as they settle into their new role.
• When working with a joint administration, support / facilitate member – member relationships and good communication between the groups.
• Remember that you are not alone – there will be good days and bad days.
• Focus on what is the most important and do that first.  Creating change takes time. 
• Support administration to be clear on big issues and communicate their position.