Former No 10 spin doctor Alistair Campbell praised the dedication and hard work of the local government sector in his keynote speech at The MJ Awards last night.

Mr Campbell, who was the head of communications at Number 10 during the last government, told attendees to ignore the headlines in the tabloid press because the public had a different understanding of what the sector did.

‘People who believe in local government will fight for it. Well done to you for what you do,' he said. ‘I am surprised that no Tory minister came to celebrate with you the great work you do.'

He also said it was the right time for those who work in local government to celebrate their achievement, gave a damning indictment of communities secretary, Eric Pickles, and encouraged councils to continue fighting their corner.
 
‘When you have a secretary of state who has a really negative view of local government - and you are demonised, you must keep on going,' he added.