Declaring, ‘public service is a privilege, and we are here to serve', Sir Keir Starmer signalled a new relationship between government and local authorities, where ministers are expected to deliver citizen-centred services with greater transparency and ethical governance – one that values the people who provide these services.

In addition to the Prime Minister's commitment, I believe the conditions are right to create more effective public services; for public service providers to become employers of choice after years of being denigrated and devalued, and for colleagues to feel pride in their work.