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PODCASTS

Inside the Local Authority of the Year

Back in June, Knowsley Council was named 'Local Authority of the Year' award at The MJ Awards. In this episode of podcast Our World is Local hosts Nick Kilby and Heather James speak to Knowsley chief Mike Harden.

Back in June, Knowsley Council was named  'Local Authority of the Year' award at The MJ Awards. In this episode of podcast Our World is Local hosts Nick Kilby and Heather James speak to Knowsley chief Mike Harden. 

Mike's career in local government spans almost 40 years - 28 of them at Knowsley. He talks about the culture and achievements that made the council award-winning. Mike will be retiring from his position at the end of 2024, and will be doing so on an incredibly high note!

Hosted by Cratus Group CEO Nick Kilby and the Editor of The MJ, Heather Jameson, the ‘Our World is Local' podcast is a space to learn about the key figures in local government, highlighting the tremendous work they do for the communities they serve. 

You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠⁠on Spotify  and wherever else you listen to your podcasts.

PODCASTS

Local councils' three-boss problem

By Blair McPherson | 17 September 2026

Blair McPherson looks at how chief executives maintain political neutrality and organisational clarity when councils have competing political leaders.

PODCASTS

Pressure grows on ministers to publish reorganisation legal advice

By Dan Peters | 15 September 2026

Pressure was this week growing on ministers to publish the legal advice behind their decision to ‘pause’ local government reorganisation and announce a review.

PODCASTS

Is this the end for LGR?

By Jonathan Carr-West | 14 September 2026

The Government’s rethink on reorganisation creates profound uncertainty for the sector, says Jonathan Carr West. He asks what it means for devolution and ref...

PODCASTS

Local government reorganisation is a crisis of trust

By Cllr Kevin Bentley | 10 September 2026

Cllr Kevin Bentley says the Government’s approach to reorganisation has damaged finances, trust and confidence within councils.

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