As sure as night follows day, local elections bring political leadership changes in their wake. This month, as a new generation of leaders prepare to take the reins, I offer some tips for newcomers navigating political office.

The starting point for any new leader is to recognise the temporary nature of the role; for most of us it will end at a time not entirely of our choosing. That means being clear about what you want to achieve, adopting a razor-sharp focus and not wasting a moment in getting going. Make your priorities areas where you can add most value; prioritising root causes rather than symptoms is key to driving lasting, sustainable change.