12 September 2008
Bradford councillor Margaret Eaton was set to be confirmed as the first woman to chair the Local Government Association this week, after winning the Conservative Party nomination.
She beat off four rivals to win 57% of the vote, which was announced on September 9. Her confirmation as the LGA's new chair – due at a meeting of the organisation's cross-party executive on September 11 – was expected to be a formality.
Eaton, a former leader of City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council, was until recently leader of the LGA Conservative group and chair of the Conservative Councillors' Association.
Speaking to Public Finance before her election, she said this was 'a time of change' for the LGA. She pledged to be a 'feet on the ground' chair, focusing on 'the practicalities and communicating what they are to government and [members of] the association'.
Eaton is cautious about the government's 'new localism' agenda, saying people did not necessarily want direct involvement in decision making, 'and that's not necessarily a failure'. She added that most people wanted 'good services that provide value for money'.
She also believes there is more scope for local authorities to make partnerships with business, as well as with other public sector bodies and charities. 'There are things local government can do to encourage investment… and create a climate for business to thrive,' she said.
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