Show Notes
In this special episode of The Local Authority, LGC’s editorial team review the biggest stories of the year and look ahead to what might be dominating local government headlines in 2026. Following a huge year for the sector, LGC editor Sarah Calkin, deputy editor Martin George, head of content Kirsty Weakley and chief reporter Caitlin Webb discuss topics including the rise of Reform, Send and what next year’s elections might mean for councils across the country. Plus ministerial changes in MHCLG and why one council leader refused to wear Steve Reed's bucket hats.
More from The Local Authority Podcast
This summer has seen record heatwaves, pushing climate change back onto the agenda, and local authorities are at the forefront of efforts to ensure services, residents and places are resilient. This episode of the Local Authority examines the role of councils in climate adaptation. Deputy editor Martin George is joined by Sandra Bogelein, lead analyst – people and net zero at the Climate Change Committee, and Christopher Hammond, chief executive of UK100.
Andy Burnham’s government has set out radical plans to change how England is governed, with greater powers for elected mayors and strategic authorities, an emphasis on place-based working, and a slimmed down civil service as powers are devolved. This episode of the Local Authority examines the implications of the seven-page document Rewiring the State for devolution in England, the role of local authorities, and what will be needed to achieve these ambitions. Acting editor Martin George is joined by Amy Harhoff, chief executive of the East Midlands CCA and Robin Tuddenham, chief executive of Calderdale MBC and president of the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives and Senior Managers.
Councils are increasingly in the eye of the storm when online misinformation and disinformation spreads through their communities. Sometimes the council finds itself at the centre of a social media storm; at others, online disinformation can threaten community cohesion. To explore how to spot emerging concerns, get ahead of the narrative and act in the middle of a storm, acting editor Martin George is joined by Helena Hornby, head of community collaboration at Orlo, Jake Morgan-Stead, head of digital campaigns and communications at Lambeth LBC, and Matt Nicholls, head of communications improvement at the Local Government Association. This episode of the Local Authority is sponsored by Orlo.
Last month’s local elections brought a wider spectrum of politicians than ever into local power. As the dust settles and new administrations take office, this episode of the Local Authority, recorded before a live audience at New Local’s Stronger Things conference, examines what comes next for public services. Joining acting LGC editor Martin George are John Denham, former communities secretary and director of the Centre for English Identity and Politics at Southampton University, Grace Pollard, head of policy and insights at New Local, and Wietse Van Ransbeeck, CEO and co-founder of Go Vocal.
With around half of councils having declared the results of their elections, the LGC team analyses the main themes that have developed so far. Acting editor Martin George is joined by head of news Kirsty Weakley, chief reporter Caitlin Webb and finance and devolution reporter Elliot Topham. [Published 16:00 on Friday 08 May 2026 - results correct at time of recording]