Paul Wheeler 10 September 2008

Soap Box

Remember the saying nothing happens in August? Well, apart from a small war in Georgia, we also saw the abrupt departure of Tim Parker from the London Mayor’s office.
Mr Parker, a millionaire businessman, had been appointed deputy mayor three months earlier with a brief to transform the GLA. His departure from politics is not unique. Archie Norman, the successful chief executive of ASDA, barely lasted two years as a Conservative MP. I am sure we can all think of  people who have become councillors on the back of a great track record in the voluntary and other sectors who simply fail to shine in local politics.
Some people fail because they are too arrogant to understand the complexity of the role and some of the specific challenges of local politics. However, in my experience, it is more likely to be ignorance and lack of knowledge that stops capable people from succeeding. If we are serious about widening the group of people willing to serve as councillors, the political parties must face specific challenges.
 The case of Tim Parker indicates that some political parties are becoming more creative in how they build political teams and more confident about casting the net more widely.
However, as any experienced recruitment agency knows, it is vital to provide support for a new role. Support can be as vital as the search in ensuring a successful placement. So why don’t we apply some of these principles to political recruitment? Let’s encourage local parties to find new talent. But, critically let’s  provide this talent with the advice they need to progress through the byzantine world of party selection and also a political support programme to help them survive the transition. Just as trade unions have supported their members’ political careers, perhaps we should encourage faith, business and voluntary groups to do the same? It just might allow those with valuable community and working experience to become successful councillors.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Educational Psychologist

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
£57072 - £58072 per annum
We are looking for qualified and HCPC registered Educational Psychologists or Year 3 Trainee Educational Psychologists to join our thriving, progressi England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Senior Educational Psychologist

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
£66555 - £67555 per annum
As a result of internal promotions within our service we are looking for committed Senior Educational Psychologists to join us in our work to shape th England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Principal Accountant

Durham County Council
£47,181 to £51,356 p.a. (Grade 13)
Durham County Council is the largest council in the North East, we have a budget of around £1.3 billion which helps us provide services to more than 5 Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Mechanical Foreman

Durham County Council
£35,412 to £39,152 p.a. (Grade 9)
A vacancy has arisen within Building and Facilities Management for a Mechanical Foreman working full time 37 hours.   WHAT IS INVOLVED?    Within a co Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Occupational Health Physiotherapist

Durham County Council
£40,777 to £45,091 p.a. (Grade 11)
An exciting opportunity has arisen with Durham County Council to join our well established ‘in house’ Occupational Health Service in making a positiv Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner