For every leader the past year has felt like a gigantic experiment. Every possible permutation of leadership challenge has happened simultaneously, at scale and over a prolonged and continuing time period. ‘I feel like I'm in an episode of the Truman Show' is something we've heard repeatedly (if you don't know what it is, Google it – it's a great film).

In normal times, local government leaders ply their trade in environments which are volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous. This year has brought these to life beyond most of our imaginings.