In this episode, we had the privilege of interviewing Hannah Dalton, Independent Councillor and Leader of Epsom and Ewell Borough Council, to explore the unique and often underappreciated role of independent councillors in the UK’s local government system. They discuss the challenges of operating outside party politics, the opportunities for community-led decision-making, and how independents can shape policy, culture, and collaboration in councils.

In this episode, we speak with Sara Harrup, Executive Coach for Neurodivergent Professionals, Board Chair, Non-Executive Director, and Inclusive Governance Expert. As an openly autistic ADHDer, Sara brings lived experience and professional insight into how neurodivergent leaders can thrive in high-pressure environments.

We explore her coaching practice, her governance work, and her advocacy for neuroinclusive leadership. Sara shares practical strategies for local authorities to better support neurodivergent staff, especially those in senior roles, and discusses her downloadable resource Performance Enhancers for Neurodivergent Directors and Executives. We also touch on her writing, including contributions to thought leadership on neurodivergent governance and leadership, and her upcoming book projects that aim to reshape how organisations understand and support different kinds of minds.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone committed to building inclusive, high-performing teams in local government.

In this episode we sit down with Councillor Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Council, to explore the borough’s bold regeneration plans, recent service improvements, and the challenges of modern civic leadership. Arooj shares her personal journey into politics, the values driving her leadership, and how Oldham is tackling identity politics, financial pressures, and community cohesion head-on. Listeners will gain insight into:

• The transformation of Oldham’s town centre and housing strategy
• Improvements in children’s services and future ambitions
• Navigating political turbulence and building resilience
• Tackling budget constraints while protecting vulnerable residents
• Arooj’s vision for inclusive leadership and community empowerment

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in local government innovation, leadership under pressure, and the future of place-based transformation.

In this episode we sit down with Cllr Danielle Belton, Leader of Rochford District Council, to explore the exciting initiatives shaping the district’s future and the challenges that come with them. From town centre regeneration and community empowerment to resisting unsustainable housing pressures, Danielle shares her vision for a member-led, transparent administration. We discuss the council’s new Economic Growth Strategy, the controversial housing proposals, and how Rochford is navigating local government reform while staying true to its semi-rural identity. It’s a candid conversation about leadership, values, and the power of local decision-making.

In this episode, we dive into one of the biggest challenges in organisational development: how to ensure that learning actually leads to behaviour change. We’re joined again by Kevan Collier, Strategic Learning and Organisational Development Lead at North West Employers, to explore how the COM-B model which stands for Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation – Behaviour can be used as a powerful framework to design learning experiences that truly stick.

We unpack how local government leaders can apply COM-B to improve the transfer of learning from the classroom (or Zoom room) to the workplace, and how to create the right conditions for people to apply what they’ve learned in meaningful, measurable ways.

In this episode we interview Cllr Millie Earl, Leader of Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole (BCP) Council, to explore how local leadership is navigating financial adversity, driving regeneration, and empowering communities.

Cllr Earl discusses the council’s strategic vision, including place-based regeneration, community governance reform, and the challenges posed by a significant SEND deficit. She shares her approach to collaborative leadership within the Three Towns Alliance and reflects on how BCP is balancing ambition with fiscal responsibility.

Listeners will gain insight into:

• The realities of leading a unitary authority under financial strain.
• How BCP is investing in infrastructure and community empowerment.
• The importance of local decision-making and inclusive governance.

In this episode we speak with Joe Fyans, Head of Research at Localis, to explore the reality behind the government’s rhetoric on locally-led economic growth. With devolution deals, investment zones, and levelling-up funding all pointing to a place-based approach, are councils truly equipped financially, structurally, and strategically to deliver? Joe shares insights from Localis research, highlighting the gaps between ambition and capability, and offers a candid assessment of what needs to change for local government to become a genuine engine of national prosperity.

In this episode of The Truth About Local Government, we sit down with Cllr John Merry CBE, Chair of Key Cities and Deputy City Mayor of Salford, to explore the pivotal role cities can play in meeting the UK Government’s ambitious target of building 1.5 million new homes by the end of this Parliament.

As part of our ongoing research project, Turbocharging Housebuilding in Cities and Urban Areas, we discuss the challenges and opportunities facing urban areas, the importance of public-private collaboration, and how networks like Key Cities are shaping the national housing agenda. With the final report due later this summer, this conversation sets the stage for a deeper dive into the findings and policy recommendations to come.

In this episode, Matthew Masters is joined by Cathy Palmer, Director of Regeneration Delivery at Walker Sime, to explore the critical ingredients that determine whether a masterplan succeeds or fails. With a career spanning both local government and consultancy, Cathy brings a rare dual perspective to the conversation. Her work at Walker Sime, particularly through the Regen Delivery service, focuses on helping councils and developers move from vision to viable delivery in complex regeneration projects.

Cathy’s insights are grounded in real-world experience, having led major regeneration initiatives across the UK. She understands the internal workings of councils, the pressures of political cycles, and the importance of community trust. Her team at Walker Sime acts as a bridge between public and private sectors, offering strategic support in everything from bid leadership to delivery route planning.

Key themes discussed include:

• Early-stage alignment Cathy emphasises that the seeds of success are sown early. Clear visioning, robust business cases, and credible funding strategies must be in place from the outset to avoid overpromising and underdelivering.
• Public sector insight Drawing on her time in local government, Cathy highlights the importance of internal governance, cross-party political buy-in, and the need to involve finance and legal teams from day one.
• Delivery-focused partnerships Walker Sime’s Regen Delivery service supports both councils and developers with project mobilisation, risk management, and delivery planning—ensuring that masterplans are not just aspirational, but achievable.
• Community-centred regeneration Cathy shares examples from projects like Birkenhead 2040 and Bolton, where regeneration efforts have been rooted in local identity and shaped by meaningful community engagement.
• Navigating complexity From unblocking stalled projects to preparing for post-2026 delivery, the Regen Delivery team helps local authorities manage risk, align stakeholders, and maintain momentum.

This episode is a must-listen for regeneration professionals, council officers, and anyone involved in shaping the future of place. Cathy’s practical advice and strategic clarity offer a roadmap for turning big plans into lasting impact.

In this episode, we sit down with Mark Ryder, the Executive Director of Communities at Warwickshire County Council, to discuss the successful delivery of three new train stations in the region. Mark shares the challenges and triumphs of these major infrastructure projects, offering valuable advice for other local authorities looking to undertake similar initiatives. From planning and funding to community engagement and project management, this episode provides a comprehensive guide to navigating the complexities of large-scale public works.