In this episode, we sit down with Cllr Tudor Evans, one of the most experienced and enduring figures in local government. With over three decades of service, including five terms as Leader of Plymouth City Council, Cllr Tudor shares the journey that brought him into politics, the challenges and triumphs of leading a city through economic transformation, and why he’s still as passionate today as when he first stood for election in 1987.

We explore:

• Plymouth’s regeneration from naval decline to a city of culture, innovation, and industry
• The personal and political resilience needed to lead through economic headwinds
• How local government can catalyse investment and growth
• And what it really means to believe in – and bet on – your city

With humour, clarity, and no shortage of insight, Tudor offers a masterclass in civic leadership and long-term vision. If you care about place leadership, economic renewal, and what it takes to build lasting local impact, this is one to tune into.

Hosted by Cratus Group's Executive Chairman Nick Kilby, the Meet the Leader podcast is a space to learn about the leaders in local government, highlighting the tremendous work they do for the communities they serve. You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠⁠on Spotify here⁠ and wherever else you listen to your podcasts.

In the final Meet the Leader episode of 2024, Nick chats with Shantanu Rajawat, Leader of Hounslow Council. 

Shantanu shares the journey that lead him to leading one of London’s most dynamic boroughs. They discuss the challenges of leadership, the importance of empowering young people, and bold ambitions for growth and opportunity in Hounslow. A must-listen for anyone passionate about community leadership and local government!

Hosted by Cratus Group's Executive Chairman Nick Kilby, the Meet the Leader podcast is a space to learn about the leaders in local government, highlighting the tremendous work they do for the communities they serve. You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠⁠on Spotify here⁠ and wherever else you listen to your podcasts.

In this special episode of Meet the Leader, Nick reflects on the incredible leaders that have featured on the show this year. From the leaders of BCP Council right up to Leeds City Council, he shares their key moments and insights in this yearly round up.

Hosted by Cratus Group's Executive Chairman Nick Kilby, the Meet the Leader podcast is a space to learn about the leaders in local government, highlighting the tremendous work they do for the communities they serve. You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠⁠on Spotify here⁠ and wherever else you listen to your podcasts.

In this episode of Meet the Leader, we sit down with Nick Adams-King, the newly appointed leader of Hampshire County Council. Nick shares his unconventional journey from running drag cabaret restaurants to navigating the complex world of local government. We explore his experiences as a business owner and the challenges he faced balancing public service with personal milestones.

Nick delves into his vision for Hampshire, addressing issues like deprivation, sustainable development, and local government restructuring. He reflects on the importance of community-driven leadership and the resilience required to manage the council through turbulent times. Join us for an insightful conversation about leadership, change, and making a real difference at the local level.

Hosted by Cratus Group's Executive Chairman Nick Kilby, the Meet the Leader podcast is a space to learn about the leaders in local government, highlighting the tremendous work they do for the communities they serve. You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠⁠on Spotify here⁠ and wherever else you listen to your podcasts.

In this episode Nick is joined by Cllr Sam Chapman-Allen, Leader of Breckland Council. 

Sam shares his journey from a young councillor to council leader, inspired by his mother’s community work. They discuss the unique challenges young people face in politics, balancing career and public service, and Sam’s approach to mentorship. Sam highlights his vision for Breckland, focusing on community-driven planning and the award-winning “Inspiring Communities” program, tackling social issues like mental health and food insecurity. 

As chairman of the District Councils Network, Sam also gives an insider look at advocating for local councils on a national level. This episode reveals the passion and dedication behind local government leadership.

Hosted by Cratus Group's Executive Chairman Nick Kilby, the Meet the Leader podcast is a space to learn about the leaders in local government, highlighting the tremendous work they do for the communities they serve. You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠⁠on Spotify here⁠ and wherever else you listen to your podcasts.

For this episode of Meet the Leader, host Nick Kilby is joined by Councillor Andy Mellen, Leader of Mid Suffolk District Council - the only council in the country outright controlled by the Green Party.

In this episode, Cllr Mellen talks about his journey into local government and his role as both as County and District councillor, while diving into the details of his fascinating career that saw him working in education and development in Nigeria and Malawi for six years.

Hosted by Cratus Group's Executive Chairman Nick Kilby, the Meet the Leader podcast is a space to learn about the leaders in local government, highlighting the tremendous work they do for the communities they serve. You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠⁠on Spotify here⁠ and wherever else you listen to your podcasts.

For this latest episode of Meet the Leader, host Nick Kilby is joined by Councillor Kam Rai, who became the new Leader of the London Borough of Redbridge back in July.

Cllr Rai had spent six years as Deputy Leader of the Council, and became Leader of the Council after then-leader Jas Athwal (who appeared in the inaugural episode of this series back in January 2023) became the new MP for Ilford South at the 2024 General Election.

In this conversation, Cllr Rai talks about his journey into local government and his vision for the borough. 

Hosted by Cratus Group's Executive Chairman Nick Kilby, the Meet the Leader podcast is a space to learn about the leaders in local government, highlighting the tremendous work they do for the communities they serve. You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠⁠on Spotify here⁠ and wherever else you listen to your podcasts.

For this latest episode of Meet the Leader, host Nick Kilby is joined by Councillor Petrina Lees, Leader of Uttlesford District Council.

Cllr Lees represents the Residents for Uttlesford group who have controlled the council since 2019, with her becoming the councils first female leader back in December 2021.

During this episode, Cllr Lees talks about her journey into local government which began at the parish level after a 30-year career in nursing. 

With a passion for community involvement, Cllr Lees works tirelessly for her local residents and is not afraid to challenge the norms. 

Hosted by Cratus Group's Executive Chairman Nick Kilby, the Meet the Leader podcast is a space to learn about the leaders in local government, highlighting the tremendous work they do for the communities they serve. You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠⁠on Spotify here⁠ and wherever else you listen to your podcasts.

In this latest episode of Meet the Leader, host Nick Kilby is joined by the Leader of Milton Keynes Council, Councillor Peter Marland. 

Cllr Marland has been a part of the council for ten years having begun his career in finance, and in this episode he shares his journey into local government which led him to becoming Leader in 2014. 

In this conversation, Cllr Marland talks about the importance of long-term planning, the future of the city-region and the unexpected story around being issued letters patent when Milton Keynes was given city status in 2022. 

Hosted by Cratus Group's Executive Chairman Nick Kilby, the Meet the Leader podcast is a space to learn about the leaders in local government, highlighting the tremendous work they do for the communities they serve. You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠⁠on Spotify here⁠ and wherever else you listen to your podcasts.

In this latest episode of Meet the Leader, Nick Kilby is joined by Cllr Vikki Slade. 

Cllr Slade tells the story of how she first got involved in politics, from her entry to the council to her two terms as Leader as Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council. 

This conversation also explores the challenges of forming coalitions in 'No Overall Control' councils, which Cllr Slade did firstly with the Unity Alliance in 2020 and then with the Three Towns Alliance following the 2023 Local Elections.

Hosted by Cratus Group's Executive Chairman Nick Kilby, the Meet the Leader podcast is a space to learn about the leaders in local government, highlighting the tremendous work they do for the communities they serve. You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠⁠on Spotify here⁠ and wherever else you listen to your podcasts.