I have been President of the Local Government Association (LGA) for six years now, a role that I have enjoyed enormously. It is now time to hand on the baton and I wish my excellent successor, Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, all the very best.

Without doubt, this has been a time of tumult for the country, with Brexit, COVID and two General Elections during this period. The vital importance of local government to people’s lives has been very evident throughout this time, not least in the absolutely essential role that it has played in responding to the pandemic. If ever there was a practical argument to be made that greater devolution would bring great benefit the county, it was made over the last year. The LGA has been a tireless and effective advocate for the sector and has achieved a great deal on its behalf.