By Richard Johnstone | 29 May 2014
The new chair of the Local Government Association has pledged to be robust in representing the position of councils to government during ‘critical times for local government’.
David Sparks has been appointed as the chair-elect of the umbrella group of local authorities after Labour was confirmed as largest party in the LGA today following Thursday's elections.
Sparks, who is the current leader of the Labour group in the organisation, will replace current chair Sir Merrick Cockell from July 8, after confirmation on the opening day of the LGA’s annual conference.
Sparks, who will be the first Labour chair since 2004, said he was ‘excited and honoured’ at the prospect.
‘These are crucial times for local government and it will be vital that we continue to speak with one unified voice. Sir Merrick built a rapport across all parties during his time as chair, and I am determined to continue that consensus approach.
‘There is a desire across the political spectrum for the LGA to be robust in our dealings with government, while able to work constructively with ministers. As a Labour chair I will be able to put forward a strong case for local government from a position outside the coalition parties. I will be a staunch advocate for councils of all types and political make-ups.’
Cockell said the LGA’s strength lay in its ability to speak with one voice on behalf of local government, regardless of political party.
‘Over the past three years local government has been at the forefront of the debate on the future of the public sector. In Rewiring Public Services we made a compelling case for radically changing the way local services are provided and paid for.
‘The challenge for the LGA and its next chairman will be to build on this work by looking beyond this parliament and making the case for change to the next government. The need for a united voice for local government has never been greater.’
According to the figures published by the LGA, Labour is the largest party in the group when calculated on the basis of the overall electorate represented by the councillors of each party, with 40.6% of all councillors. They are followed by the Conservatives on 28.3% and the Liberal Democrats on 10.8%.
