William Eichler 25 February 2025

Council leader stands down to focus on LGA role

Council leader stands down to focus on LGA role image
Image: Cllr Joe Harris is the leader of Cotswold District Council. © Cotswold District Council.

Cllr Joe Harris, the leader of Cotswold District Council, has announced he is stepping down to focus on his Local Government Association (LGA) role.

Cllr Harris, who is also vice chair and leader of the Liberal Democrat Group at the Local Government Association, will stand down as leader of the council in May.

‘There are lots of changes happening within local government and now feels like the right time to shift my focus towards the sector,’ he said.

‘The Government is pursuing plans to restructure local government by replacing district and county councils with large unitary authorities, and my role at the Local Government Association is key in making sure this is done properly and with local communities in mind.

‘I look forward to devoting more of my time to this role while continuing to serve as a district and county councillor to my hometown of Cirencester.’

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Half a century in the chamber

Cllr Dr James Walsh was elected to Arun District Council in 1975. Here he tells LocalGov what he's learned about trust, transformation and keeping it local.
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