Kerslake, who was ennobled as a crossbench peer after his retirement from his role as the highest official in DCLG in February said he would speak up for councils in both Houses of Parliament. Kerslake also served as head of the civil service until last July.
The umbrella group for councils announced Kerslake would replace Lord Best, who is standing down after 10 years in the role.
Kerslake said he was passionate about local government and would “work with the LGA to speak up for councils in both Houses of Parliament, in particular to advocate devolution as a way to promote economic growth and improve public services”.
LGA chair David Sparks thanked Best for his decade in post, and added: “I know that Lord Kerslake is also a strong champion of local government and will bring with him a wealth of experience and a strong understanding of Whitehall to the role of LGA president.”
The LGA’s general assembly will formally appoint Kerslake to the president post in 2015/16 at its annual conference in Harrogate on June 30. At the same event, Sparks will be replaced as chair of the body by Conservative group leader Gary Porter after the party retook control following May’s elections.
