Cllr Louise Gittins has been elected as the new chair of the local government association (LGA).
Following the General Election result, Cllr Shaun Davies stood down as LGA Chair after being elected as the new Labour MP for Telford.
Elected officers of the LGA Labour Group unanimously nominated Cllr Louise Gittins as the new LGA Chair who replaced Cllr Davies with immediate effect.
Cllr Gittins has served as Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council since 2019, having previously served as Deputy Leader from 2015. She was first elected as a councillor in 2011 and has been the Chair of the LGA’s Children and Young People policy board since 2022.
Commenting 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.
Councils are under pressure like never before, facing a funding gap of more than £6 billion over the next two years.
“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.”
