As we approach the General Election, the countdown to 7 May is dominating the political news agenda, in stark contrast to the rather quiet local elections of last year. However, 2014 saw a huge shift at the Local Government Association (LGA), with the balance of power of the organisation shifting to Labour, and David Sparks taking over as chairman.

While Cllr Sparks prepared to lead the LGA at a cross-party level, Oldham leader Jim McMahon was campaigning to become leader of the Labour Group – with an agenda for change at the association. Even before he got the job, he had set the cat among the pigeons in Smith Square, with plans for an independent review of the association.