The Local Government Association has confirmed that Chief Executive Mark Lloyd CBE will leave the organisation.
After eight years at the helm, Lloyd will leave the LGA as its second longest serving chief executive, after taking on the role after running two local councils. Lloyd’s eight-year stint saw councils face some of the toughest challenges that have been put upon local government, with this including the aftermath of the Grenfell tragedy, Brexit, the Covid-19 pandemic, and the cost-of-living crisis.
Appointed to his role at the LGA in 2015, Lloyd spent the ten years previous in as Chief Executive of Durham County Council and the Cambridgeshire County Councils. Once he had taken on his position as Chief Executive of the LGA, he has provided important advice and support to councils around the country as they strive to improve, as well as work alongside the government on a wide range of issues. These issues range from homelessness and asylum, to finance and children’s services.
Speaking on his departure, Mark Lloyd said:
“It has been a brilliant eight years at the LGA. My enormous thanks to the excellent LGA team and all the councillors, council chief executives, partner organisations and government ministers and officials I’ve had the privilege and pleasure to work with. This is the best job in local government but now is the right time for me to hand over the LGA for someone to build on the achievements we have delivered and the progress we have made. After working so intensely in this role, it’s time to briefly catch my breath and decide how I make the most valuable next contribution.”
Unti more permanent arrangements can be completed, Sarah Pickup CBE will take on the role of Acting Chief Executive, with Sally Burlington OBE taking over from Pickup as Deputy Chief Executive during that time.
Chair of the LGA, Cllr Shaun Davies, added:
“Mark has steered the LGA through some of the most difficult times and represented the whole of local government on some of the thorniest topics the country and councils have faced. The LGA Group Leaders and Board join me in wishing him well for the future and in thanking him for his outstanding service to the LGA and local government.
“Sarah Pickup brings knowledge of a wide range of challenges and opportunities for local government and has worked extensively with central government and the NHS. She will lead the LGA in the interim as the organisation continues to deliver for members as the national voice of local government.”
The Local Government Association has announced that work has already begun to appoint the next Chief Executive.
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