‘Place Shaping’ the role of a front-line councillor

With fellow speakers Cllr Dave Winskill and Cllr Claire Denham

I had a great time participating in the Local Government Association’s (LGA) annual ‘Improvement Conference’, up in Nottingham, earlier this week.

Myself and fellow local councillors Dave Winskill (pictured left) from the London Borough of Haringey, and Claire Denman (pictured right) from Crawley Borough Council, were asked to talk about the role of the “front line” councillor (e.g, a ward level local councillor as opposed to a councillor in the Cabinet) and our role in “Place Shaping”, which is all about councillors helping the shape the places and communities they serve Continue reading “‘Place Shaping’ the role of a front-line councillor”

The Politics of Regeneration

The Management Committee of pressure group Compass (www.compassonline.org.uk) (of which I’m a member) is often asked to give talks to groups wishing to learn more about Compass’ work.

Last week, I went to Parliament on Compass’ behalf, to give a talk to the influential Labour Finance and Industry Group (https://www.lfig.org), who act as an internal Labour party think tank on issues linked to finance and industry and produce some superb reports on a wide range of matters.

The Labour Finance and Industry Group was keen to have a brief overview on Compass’ view of ‘The Politics of Regeneration’.

I’ve posted a noddy version of my notes below. Continue reading “The Politics of Regeneration”

Neglect Not the Gift that is In Thee

Walthamstow Gorls Teacher Sue Milligan & former students

Walthamstow School for Girls, which I attended as a student between 1989 and 1994, held its 117th annual presentation and achievement awards on Wednesday.

I felt deeply honoured to have been invited to present the awards and give the key note address as the ceremony’s Guest of Honour. Continue reading “Neglect Not the Gift that is In Thee”