For this latest episode of Meet the Leader, Nick Kilby (Cratus) is joined by the Leader of Cotswold District Council, Councillor Joe Harris.

During this conversation, Cllr Harris talks to Nick about his inspirational journey in local government which began with him being first elected at the age of 18, and subsequently becoming the youngest Mayor in the country at just 20 years old.

Fast forward to today, Cllr Harris is the Leader of the first-ever Liberal Democrat administration in the councils history, and also serves as a county councillor and as Leader of the Liberal Democrats group on the LGA. Having already spent 12 years representing the people in his community, Cllr Harris also casts an eye forward to what the future may look like for him after his time on the council comes to an end.

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, Nick Kilby is joined by Councillor Vince Maple who was elected as the new Leader of Medway Council in May. Labour took control of Medway Council for the first time since 1998, and Cllr Maple had led the party in opposition for 11 years before taking control this year.

During this conversation, the pair discuss Cllr Maple's journey into politics which began as a public transport-loving, Labour-representing nine-year-old and saw him gain experience through roles within the Department of Work and Pensions and the Home Office. We also find out whether or not the iconic election night clip of a victorious Cllr Maple running to his team was staged or not.

Hosted by Cratus CEO 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 here.

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, Nick Kilby is joined by the Leader of Manchester City Council, Bev Craig, to shine a light on her personal journey in local government, and the work that is being done in Manchester.

Originally moving to Manchester in 2003 for university, Cllr Craig has been an elected councillor for over a decade and is nearly two years into leading the city council.

Through this conversation, Cllr Craig speaks on Manchester's unfinished devolution journey, while praising the council's relationship with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and the maturity that exists within the city region's governance. Cllr Craig also talks about addressing the social challenges that all big cities face, as she is passionate about applying a social focus to the lens of economic growth.

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, Nick is joined by the Leader of the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, Councillor Gareth Roberts.

This episode explores Cllr Roberts' journey in local government, looking at his various roles in opposition as well as the political transformation of Richmond that he has witnessed.

The pair also discuss the importance of changing the perception of local government and look ahead to Cllr Roberts' future ambitions in the London Assembly and Westminster.

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 is joined by the new Leader of Harlow District Council and the youngest council leader in the country, Councillor Dan Swords.

During this episode, Cllr Swords sets out his vision for the next municipal year, ahead of Harlow's all-out elections in 2024, while crediting some of the trailblazers within local government who have inspired him along the way.

Cllr Swords also discusses his unique journey into local government, and looks back at the progress made in regenerating Harlow's town centre during his previous role as Cabinet Member for Regeneration. The pair also take a look at the complex relationship that exists between officers and members, and the importance of having a strong, cohesive group on the council.

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 instalment of our Meet the Leader series Nick Kilby is joined by Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, Cllr Darren Rodwell.

Cllr Rodwell recounts his journey into local government and talks to Nick about what it means to serve the community that he grew up in, and how he views himself as a facilitator of aspirations.

He is passionate about delivering for his community and illustrates the level of commitment that is required to be a leader in 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.

For International Women’s Day 2023, we are joined by Councillor Linda Haysey, Leader of East Herts District Council. Cllr Haysey discusses the importance of balance in gender representation, the challenge in encouraging women to stand in local elections and some of the barriers they face. We look back over some of the tests and triumphs of her 18 years in local government and 8 years as leader, including the role of thoughtful community conversations and listening to every perspective.

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 our latest episode, we are joined by Cllr Linda Taylor, Leader of Cornwall Council, as she proudly discusses her journey in local government. Cllr Taylor delves into the current housing crisis facing the region and speaks about the dynamic between Cornwall and Europe. She is passionate about making a difference to the whole of Cornwall through effective teamwork.

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.

On our first episode, we are joined by Cllr Jas Athwal, Leader of the London Borough of Redbridge and he takes us through his journey of becoming the leader. Cllr Athwal recounts the early days when he was first approached to join a party and how he made the decision. He expressed that he became the leader to change people’s lives and considers his residence as his boss. Cllr Athwal illustrates the dedication that goes into leadership and expresses his vision and agenda for his council. He is passionate about doing right for the people.

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.