Meet The Leader (Meet The Leader)

For the final episode of 2023, we round of the debut year of Meet the Leader as host Nick Kilby (Cratus Group) recounts his top five moments of the series so far that has seen him interview a broad slate of council leaders from across the country.

Special thanks to all our guests who have appeared in 2023 for sharing their stories and allowing us to highlight the quality leadership that exists in local government. We look forward to another year of episodes in 2024.

Hosted by Cratus CEO Nick Kilby, The Meet the Leader podcast is a space to learn about the leaders in local government, highlighting the tremendous work they do for the communities they serve. You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.

Hosted by Cratus Group CEO Nick Kilby, the Meet the Leader podcast is a space to learn about the leaders in local government, highlighting the tremendous work they do for the communities they serve. You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠⁠on Spotify here⁠ and wherever else you listen to your podcasts. You can also follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

For this latest episode of Meet the Leader, Nick Kilby (Cratus) is joined by the Leader of Cotswold District Council, Councillor Joe Harris.

During this conversation, Cllr Harris talks to Nick about his inspirational journey in local government which began with him being first elected at the age of 18, and subsequently becoming the youngest Mayor in the country at just 20 years old.

Fast forward to today, Cllr Harris is the Leader of the first-ever Liberal Democrat administration in the councils history, and also serves as a county councillor and as Leader of the Liberal Democrats group on the LGA. Having already spent 12 years representing the people in his community, Cllr Harris also casts an eye forward to what the future may look like for him after his time on the council comes to an end.

Hosted by Cratus Group CEO Nick Kilby, the Meet the Leader podcast is a space to learn about the leaders in local government, highlighting the tremendous work they do for the communities they serve. You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠⁠on Spotify here⁠ and wherever else you listen to your podcasts. You can also follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

For this latest episode of Meet the Leader, Nick Kilby is joined by the Leader of Manchester City Council, Bev Craig, to shine a light on her personal journey in local government, and the work that is being done in Manchester.

Originally moving to Manchester in 2003 for university, Cllr Craig has been an elected councillor for over a decade and is nearly two years into leading the city council.

Through this conversation, Cllr Craig speaks on Manchester's unfinished devolution journey, while praising the council's relationship with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and the maturity that exists within the city region's governance. Cllr Craig also talks about addressing the social challenges that all big cities face, as she is passionate about applying a social focus to the lens of economic growth.

Hosted by Cratus Group CEO Nick Kilby, the Meet the Leader podcast is a space to learn about the leaders in local government, highlighting the tremendous work they do for the communities they serve. You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠⁠on Spotify here⁠ and wherever else you listen to your podcasts. You can also follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

In our latest episode, we are joined by Cllr Linda Taylor, Leader of Cornwall Council, as she proudly discusses her journey in local government. Cllr Taylor delves into the current housing crisis facing the region and speaks about the dynamic between Cornwall and Europe. She is passionate about making a difference to the whole of Cornwall through effective teamwork.

Hosted by Cratus Group CEO Nick Kilby, the Meet the Leader podcast is a space to learn about the leaders in local government, highlighting the tremendous work they do for the communities they serve. You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠⁠on Spotify here⁠ and wherever else you listen to your podcasts. You can also follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

For International Women’s Day 2023, we are joined by Councillor Linda Haysey, Leader of East Herts District Council. Cllr Haysey discusses the importance of balance in gender representation, the challenge in encouraging women to stand in local elections and some of the barriers they face. We look back over some of the tests and triumphs of her 18 years in local government and 8 years as leader, including the role of thoughtful community conversations and listening to every perspective.

Hosted by Cratus Group CEO Nick Kilby, the Meet the Leader podcast is a space to learn about the leaders in local government, highlighting the tremendous work they do for the communities they serve. You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠⁠on Spotify here⁠ and wherever else you listen to your podcasts. You can also follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

On our first episode, we are joined by Cllr Jas Athwal, Leader of the London Borough of Redbridge and he takes us through his journey of becoming the leader. Cllr Athwal recounts the early days when he was first approached to join a party and how he made the decision. He expressed that he became the leader to change people’s lives and considers his residence as his boss. Cllr Athwal illustrates the dedication that goes into leadership and expresses his vision and agenda for his council. He is passionate about doing right for the people.

Hosted by Cratus Group CEO Nick Kilby, the Meet the Leader podcast is a space to learn about the leaders in local government, highlighting the tremendous work they do for the communities they serve. You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠⁠on Spotify here⁠ and wherever else you listen to your podcasts. You can also follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

No two councils in this country are the same, and that is especially true when considering Epsom and Ewell Borough Council. Since its inception in 1937, the local authority has been controlled by Residents Associations - and is currently one of two RA controlled councils in the entire country, along with Uttlesford. 

The majority group of the Residents Associations of Epsom and Ewell has been chaired by Councillor Hannah Dalton since May 2021, and for this episode of Meet the Leader, Cllr Dalton sat down with host Nick Kilby.

During this episode, the pair discuss the unique political setup that exists within Epsom and Ewell, alongside the dynamics of this independent grouping of councillors who have had majority control over the local authority for almost 90 years. 

Hosted by Cratus Group CEO Nick Kilby, the Meet the Leader podcast is a space to learn about the leaders in local government, highlighting the tremendous work they do for the communities they serve. You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.

Hosted by Cratus Group CEO Nick Kilby, the Meet the Leader podcast is a space to learn about the leaders in local government, highlighting the tremendous work they do for the communities they serve. You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠⁠on Spotify here⁠ and wherever else you listen to your podcasts. You can also follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

For this latest episode of Meet the Leader, Nick Kilby was joined by Councillor Elizabeth Campbell, who has led the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea since 2017. 

Cllr Campbell was elected as Leader in the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower Fire,  and speaks about the impact that the tragedy has had on her experience as Leader, while looking at the legacy for Grenfell and the council as an organisation going forward.

Hosted by Cratus Group CEO Nick Kilby, the Meet the Leader podcast is a space to learn about the leaders in local government, highlighting the tremendous work they do for the communities they serve. You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠⁠on Spotify here⁠ and wherever else you listen to your podcasts. You can also follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

For this latest episode of Meet the Leader, Nick Kilby is joined by the Leader of Cambridgeshire County Council, Councillor Lucy Nethsingha. 

Cllr Nethsingha dives into the details of her storied journey in local government which has seen her serve at the Parish, City and County level, in addition to also being a former MEP. 

In this conversation, the pair also talk about the level of support in local government that exists for women and mothers, while also looking forward to Cllr Nethsingha's ambition the Cambridgeshire region. 

Hosted by Cratus Group CEO Nick Kilby, the Meet the Leader podcast is a space to learn about the leaders in local government, highlighting the tremendous work they do for the communities they serve. You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠⁠on Spotify here⁠ and wherever else you listen to your podcasts. You can also follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

The Meet the Leader podcast series returns for May, and Nick Kilby is joined by the Leader of South Cambs District Council, Councillor Bridget Smith.

Cllr Smith has led the authority since since 2018 and the District Councillor for the village of Gamlingay for the past 15 years.

During this conversation, Cllr Smith discusses her journey into local government and  the time spent as Leader so far, as well as the four day working week trial which has attracted so much attention from Westminster. 

Hosted by Cratus Group CEO Nick Kilby, the Meet the Leader podcast is a space to learn about the leaders in local government, highlighting the tremendous work they do for the communities they serve. You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠⁠on Spotify here⁠ and wherever else you listen to your podcasts. You can also follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

For the latest episode of Meet the Leader, host Nick Kilby is joined by Jason Brock who recently stepped down as Leader of Reading Borough Council after a 5-year stint at the helm.

Jason's meteoric rise saw him go from by-election candidate to Leader of the Council in under three years, in a time that was dominated with difficult challenges such as financial woes and the Covid-19 pandemic.

In this episode,  Jason reflects on his journey into politics, his time as Leader and the future that lies ahead for him.

Hosted by Cratus Group CEO Nick Kilby, the Meet the Leader podcast is a space to learn about the leaders in local government, highlighting the tremendous work they do for the communities they serve. You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠⁠on Spotify here⁠ and wherever else you listen to your podcasts. You can also follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

In this latest episode of Meet the Leader, Nick Kilby is joined by Cllr Vikki Slade. 

Cllr Slade tells the story of how she first got involved in politics, from her entry to the council to her two terms as Leader as Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council. 

This conversation also explores the challenges of forming coalitions in 'No Overall Control' councils, which Cllr Slade did firstly with the Unity Alliance in 2020 and then with the Three Towns Alliance following the 2023 Local Elections.

Hosted by Cratus Group CEO Nick Kilby, the Meet the Leader podcast is a space to learn about the leaders in local government, highlighting the tremendous work they do for the communities they serve. You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠⁠on Spotify here⁠ and wherever else you listen to your podcasts. You can also follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

In this latest episode of Meet the Leader, host Nick Kilby is joined by the Leader of Milton Keynes Council, Councillor Peter Marland. 

Cllr Marland has been a part of the council for ten years having begun his career in finance, and in this episode he shares his journey into local government which led him to becoming Leader in 2014. 

In this conversation, Cllr Marland talks about the importance of long-term planning, the future of the city-region and the unexpected story around being issued letters patent when Milton Keynes was given city status in 2022. 

Hosted by Cratus Group CEO Nick Kilby, the Meet the Leader podcast is a space to learn about the leaders in local government, highlighting the tremendous work they do for the communities they serve. You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠⁠on Spotify here⁠ and wherever else you listen to your podcasts. You can also follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

For this latest episode of Meet the Leader, host Nick Kilby is joined by Councillor Petrina Lees, Leader of Uttlesford District Council.

Cllr Lees represents the Residents for Uttlesford group who have controlled the council since 2019, with her becoming the councils first female leader back in December 2021.

During this episode, Cllr Lees talks about her journey into local government which began at the parish level after a 30-year career in nursing. 

With a passion for community involvement, Cllr Lees works tirelessly for her local residents and is not afraid to challenge the norms. 

Hosted by Cratus Group CEO Nick Kilby, the Meet the Leader podcast is a space to learn about the leaders in local government, highlighting the tremendous work they do for the communities they serve. You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠⁠on Spotify here⁠ and wherever else you listen to your podcasts. You can also follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

For this latest episode of Meet the Leader, host Nick Kilby is joined by Councillor Kam Rai, who became the new Leader of the London Borough of Redbridge back in July.

Cllr Rai had spent six years as Deputy Leader of the Council, and became Leader of the Council after then-leader Jas Athwal (who appeared in the inaugural episode of this series back in January 2023) became the new MP for Ilford South at the 2024 General Election.

In this conversation, Cllr Rai talks about his journey into local government and his vision for the borough. 

Hosted by Cratus Group CEO Nick Kilby, the Meet the Leader podcast is a space to learn about the leaders in local government, highlighting the tremendous work they do for the communities they serve. You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠⁠on Spotify here⁠ and wherever else you listen to your podcasts. You can also follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

For this episode of Meet the Leader, host Nick Kilby is joined by Councillor Andy Mellen, Leader of Mid Suffolk District Council - the only council in the country outright controlled by the Green Party.

In this episode, Cllr Mellen talks about his journey into local government and his role as both as County and District councillor, while diving into the details of his fascinating career that saw him working in education and development in Nigeria and Malawi for six years.

Hosted by Cratus Group CEO Nick Kilby, the Meet the Leader podcast is a space to learn about the leaders in local government, highlighting the tremendous work they do for the communities they serve. You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠⁠on Spotify here⁠ and wherever else you listen to your podcasts. You can also follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

In this episode Nick is joined by Cllr Sam Chapman-Allen, Leader of Breckland Council. 

Sam shares his journey from a young councillor to council leader, inspired by his mother’s community work. They discuss the unique challenges young people face in politics, balancing career and public service, and Sam’s approach to mentorship. Sam highlights his vision for Breckland, focusing on community-driven planning and the award-winning “Inspiring Communities” program, tackling social issues like mental health and food insecurity. 

As chairman of the District Councils Network, Sam also gives an insider look at advocating for local councils on a national level. This episode reveals the passion and dedication behind local government leadership.

Hosted by Cratus Group CEO Nick Kilby, the Meet the Leader podcast is a space to learn about the leaders in local government, highlighting the tremendous work they do for the communities they serve. You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠⁠on Spotify here⁠ and wherever else you listen to your podcasts. You can also follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

In this episode of Meet the Leader, we sit down with Nick Adams-King, the newly appointed leader of Hampshire County Council. Nick shares his unconventional journey from running drag cabaret restaurants to navigating the complex world of local government. We explore his experiences as a business owner and the challenges he faced balancing public service with personal milestones.

Nick delves into his vision for Hampshire, addressing issues like deprivation, sustainable development, and local government restructuring. He reflects on the importance of community-driven leadership and the resilience required to manage the council through turbulent times. Join us for an insightful conversation about leadership, change, and making a real difference at the local level.

Hosted by Cratus Group CEO Nick Kilby, the Meet the Leader podcast is a space to learn about the leaders in local government, highlighting the tremendous work they do for the communities they serve. You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠⁠on Spotify here⁠ and wherever else you listen to your podcasts. You can also follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

In this special episode of Meet the Leader, Nick reflects on the incredible leaders that have featured on the show this year. From the leaders of BCP Council right up to Leeds City Council, he shares their key moments and insights in this yearly round up.

Hosted by Cratus Group CEO Nick Kilby, the Meet the Leader podcast is a space to learn about the leaders in local government, highlighting the tremendous work they do for the communities they serve. You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠⁠on Spotify here⁠ and wherever else you listen to your podcasts. You can also follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

In the final Meet the Leader episode of 2024, Nick chats with Shantanu Rajawat, Leader of Hounslow Council. 

Shantanu shares the journey that lead him to leading one of London’s most dynamic boroughs. They discuss the challenges of leadership, the importance of empowering young people, and bold ambitions for growth and opportunity in Hounslow. A must-listen for anyone passionate about community leadership and local government!

Hosted by Cratus Group CEO Nick Kilby, the Meet the Leader podcast is a space to learn about the leaders in local government, highlighting the tremendous work they do for the communities they serve. You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠⁠on Spotify here⁠ and wherever else you listen to your podcasts. You can also follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

For the penultimate episode of Meet the Leader in 2023, Councillor Ruth Dombey joins Nick Kilby to talk about her fascinating route into local government, which all began with some Italian wine.

Cllr Dombey first became a councillor back in 2002 and has led Sutton since 2012, making her the second longest-serving council leader in London.

Hosted by Cratus CEO Nick Kilby, The Meet the Leader podcast is a space to learn about the leaders in local government, highlighting the tremendous work they do for the communities they serve. You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠here⁠.

Hosted by Cratus Group CEO Nick Kilby, the Meet the Leader podcast is a space to learn about the leaders in local government, highlighting the tremendous work they do for the communities they serve. You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠⁠on Spotify here⁠ and wherever else you listen to your podcasts. You can also follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Last year, Nick Kilby began the 'Meet the Leader' series as a way to showcase the leaders in local government and spoke to 12 leaders from local authorities across the country. The series is entering into its sophomore year and we begin with our first special guest of 2024, Cllr Grace Williams from the London Borough of Waltham Forest.

During this conversation, Cllr Williams recounts her journey into local government which began back in 2016 and saw her become Leader of the Council in 2021 following a career in education and working within the local community.

Hosted by Cratus CEO Nick Kilby, The Meet the Leader podcast is a space to learn about the leaders in local government, highlighting the tremendous work they do for the communities they serve. You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.

Hosted by Cratus Group CEO Nick Kilby, the Meet the Leader podcast is a space to learn about the leaders in local government, highlighting the tremendous work they do for the communities they serve. You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠⁠on Spotify here⁠ and wherever else you listen to your podcasts. You can also follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

For this latest episode of Meet the Leader, Nick is joined by the Leader of the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, Councillor Gareth Roberts.

This episode explores Cllr Roberts' journey in local government, looking at his various roles in opposition as well as the political transformation of Richmond that he has witnessed.

The pair also discuss the importance of changing the perception of local government and look ahead to Cllr Roberts' future ambitions in the London Assembly and Westminster.

Hosted by Cratus Group CEO Nick Kilby, the Meet the Leader podcast is a space to learn about the leaders in local government, highlighting the tremendous work they do for the communities they serve. You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠⁠on Spotify here⁠ and wherever else you listen to your podcasts. You can also follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

In this latest episode of Meet the Leader, Nick is joined by the new Leader of Harlow District Council and the youngest council leader in the country, Councillor Dan Swords.

During this episode, Cllr Swords sets out his vision for the next municipal year, ahead of Harlow's all-out elections in 2024, while crediting some of the trailblazers within local government who have inspired him along the way.

Cllr Swords also discusses his unique journey into local government, and looks back at the progress made in regenerating Harlow's town centre during his previous role as Cabinet Member for Regeneration. The pair also take a look at the complex relationship that exists between officers and members, and the importance of having a strong, cohesive group on the council.

Hosted by Cratus Group CEO Nick Kilby, the Meet the Leader podcast is a space to learn about the leaders in local government, highlighting the tremendous work they do for the communities they serve. You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠⁠on Spotify here⁠ and wherever else you listen to your podcasts. You can also follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

In this latest instalment of our Meet the Leader series Nick Kilby is joined by Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, Cllr Darren Rodwell.

Cllr Rodwell recounts his journey into local government and talks to Nick about what it means to serve the community that he grew up in, and how he views himself as a facilitator of aspirations.

He is passionate about delivering for his community and illustrates the level of commitment that is required to be a leader in local government.

Hosted by Cratus Group CEO Nick Kilby, the Meet the Leader podcast is a space to learn about the leaders in local government, highlighting the tremendous work they do for the communities they serve. You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠⁠on Spotify here⁠ and wherever else you listen to your podcasts. You can also follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

For this latest episode of Meet the Leader, Nick Kilby is joined by Councillor Vince Maple who was elected as the new Leader of Medway Council in May. Labour took control of Medway Council for the first time since 1998, and Cllr Maple had led the party in opposition for 11 years before taking control this year.

During this conversation, the pair discuss Cllr Maple's journey into politics which began as a public transport-loving, Labour-representing nine-year-old and saw him gain experience through roles within the Department of Work and Pensions and the Home Office. We also find out whether or not the iconic election night clip of a victorious Cllr Maple running to his team was staged or not.

Hosted by Cratus CEO Nick Kilby, The Meet the Leader podcast is a space to learn about the leaders in local government, highlighting the tremendous work they do for the communities they serve. You can listen to the previous episodes here.

Hosted by Cratus Group CEO Nick Kilby, the Meet the Leader podcast is a space to learn about the leaders in local government, highlighting the tremendous work they do for the communities they serve. You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠⁠on Spotify here⁠ and wherever else you listen to your podcasts. You can also follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.