I love this country. It is the greatest country in the world.
We are tolerant, decent and respectful – and unity is our strength.
But for too long, proud communities have been failed by politics and left powerless to do anything about it.
Our Pride in Place programme changes that. We are giving people the power to build up their communities. We’ve already invested thousands into communities across Britain. Now, we are giving thousands more the opportunity to transform their local area.
Putting local people in control and building a Britain that works for all.
Just popping up here to share some news- super pleased to be appointed @wearenewlocal CEO at such an important time for communities & local govt ❤️
Now see you over on the other side where skies are blue and the air is fresh 😉 🦋
We are excited to announce that @jesstud has been appointed as our new chief executive! 🎉
Lots of you will know Jess as a leading voice on local government, public service reform, and devolution policy. She's played a pivotal role at New Local, serving as deputy chief executive, and as our interim CEO since May.
Congrats Jess and look forward to continuing our mission together!
https://t.co/qzvIUaPna5
This place has become intolerable, so I am signing off. Will be over on Bluesky breathing fresh air, and am loving seeing increasing numbers of my #localgov/policy/politics tribe doing the same. We have power in numbers.
An inspiring day @WiganCouncil w/ colleagues @KeithCunliffe@LG_Wigan learning about their New Era approach. An incredible, passionate team: especially in these difficult times they show how a relentless focus on working alongside communities holds so much hope for our future ❤️
@LG_Wigan @Lauritapayne @wearenewlocal@KeithCunliffe@AlisonMc_F@james_jmw Thank you so much for having us Lewis, was an absolute blast! Your team’s energy and passion is so inspiring, and absolutely love your New Era approach- so much learning and inspo for wider sector (and govt!)
Energising day with @jesstud & @Lauritapayne from @wearenewlocal. Sharing our exciting New Era for our borough & the amazing things we can achieve by working in a genuine partnership with our residents, communities, partners, businesses and staff. Thanks so much for visiting 🤍
Just wanted to share quickly how lovely yesterday felt in Southport; a total contrast to the night before. 🧵
The mosque and people’s garden walls were rebuilt by builders and bricklayers volunteering their time and labour:
Think @jesstud's words on this being an opportunity with a longer-term view are key - reform can increase productivity, but productivity =/= cheap when it comes to effective services. Better outcomes yes, preventing future demand, yes - but needs the right type of £ to bring off.
Beyond the headlines of Chancellor @RachelReevesMP speech to Commons on the financial black hole inherited from previous Govt, some interesting indications on possible future public service reform direction, much needed for sustainability… 🧵
https://t.co/OQhM2Yv3UI
And the new Office of Value for Money is a really promising proposal- if its remit is set to analyse vfm *between* departmental spending lines rather than just *within* them. Eg HMT needs to assess “vfm” of cutting early intervention & analyse impact on more expensive statutory.
“Mission-led” & “reform-driven” with “a greater focus on prevention & the integration of services at a national & local level”.
This all sounds a bit promisingly Total-Place-y… Exactly the sort of collaboration that requires longer term financial planning if to have impact.