The Local Government Association has confirmed its new Chair, after Cllr Shaun Davies made the decision to step down.
Davies’ decision comes as he successfully stood to become the new Member of Parliament for Telford yesterday, now forming part of Sir Keir Starmer’s significant Labour majority.
Councillor Lousie Gittins has been nominated as the new Chair of the LGA, with the organisation’s elected Labour Group officers agreeing unanimously. Cllr Gittins has served as Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Leader since 2019 after spending four years as Deputy Leader.
First elected as a councillor in 2011, Cllr Gittins has been Chair of the Children and Young People policy board since 2022.
Commented on her appointment, Cllr Gittins said:
“I am excited and honoured to be taking up this important cross-party role on behalf of councils of all types and political colours across the country.
“We are entering a period of huge change but also opportunity and my immediate priority is working with the new government on a fundamental reset of the relationship between central and local government, one of trust and mutual respect.
“As we have set out in our Local Government White Paper, it is councils which hold the local levers to the national challenges facing the new government, whether it is building more affordable homes, reducing homelessness, improving care for adults and children or boosting inclusive growth.
“Councils are under pressure like never before, facing a funding gap of more than £6 billion over the next two years. It is important we find a sustainable and long-term financial solution, alongside the right powers and levers, so we can deliver on the priorities of the new government.”
As well as standing down as LGA Chair, Cllr Davies has also stepped down as Leader of Telford and Wrekin Council, with a new leader to be elected in due course.
Image credit: Local Government Association
