With local elections taking place this week for many of us and the backdrop of Brexit nationally, I would like to explore the theme of driving place-leadership in the context of political uncertainty.

Elected members are critical in developing key policy and decisions to ensure the work of councils remains democratic and responsive to communities. The current state of national party politics and regular local elections can be a challenge when developing and delivering longer-term place-shaping visions, strategies, budgets and major projects, which rely on continuity and/or investor confidence.