Martin Ford 03 July 2023

Tributes to 'rare gem' Lord Kerslake

Figures across local and national government have paid tribute to ‘champion of local democracy’ Lord Bob Kerslake.

Lord Kerslake's family announced his death at the age of 68 on Saturday.

He had been diagnosed with cancer.

Lord Kerslake began his local government career at the Greater London Council, going on to serve as chief executive of Hounslow LBC and Sheffield City Council, then permanent secretary at the then-Department for Communities and Local Government from 2010 to 2015.

He was head of the civil service from January 2012 to September 2014 and received a knighthood in the 2005 New Year's Honours list for services to local government.

Just last month, Lord Kerslake received the award for Outstanding Contribution to Local Government at The MJ Achievement Awards.

Editor of The MJ, Heather Jameson, said: ‘We are all deeply saddened at the loss of Lord Bob Kerslake – he was an extraordinary public servant, a tireless cheerleader for the local government and a true champion of local democracy.

To continue reading visit The MJ (£).

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