Welcome to all our MPs, ministers and valued members.
For the first time, we have 19 elected, including six Independent MPs, four Green, four Plaid Cymru and five UK Reform.
Now our group can do even more for our residents and members – and government-proposed changes to planning are on the agenda this month.
Our crossbencher LGA President, Baroness Tanni-Grey Thompson DBE, was in Paris cheering on our Paralympic heroes and speaking up for equality.
“Councils are best placed to build resilient and cohesive communities”
The summer Olympics resulted in our talented athletes winning 65 medals! Major credit is due to their foundation in our schools and clubs, supported by our councils.
I was deeply saddened to see the tragic death of three girls in Southport and the violent disorder across the UK, fuelled by false information spread across social media.
At the LGA, we issued a statement condemning all violence and ran two successful webinar sessions for our council leaders, including one with government minister Baroness Sharon Taylor OBE.
I was proud to speak on civility in public life and how councils are best placed, alongside the voluntary and health sectors, to build resilient and cohesive communities.
As first was going to press, I was at the Green Party Conference in Manchester, to support our Green colleagues and chair a fringe session looking at how the new UK Government can meet housing targets while addressing the climate and nature crises.
I also hope to see many of you at the LGA’s annual conference in Harrogate (22-24 October), and the LGA Independent Group’s conference (10-11 January) – see www.local.gov.uk/events.
- For more information about the LGA’s political groups, see our website.