As he departs from Core Cities UK, Chris Murray speaks to Heather Jameson about the many achievements of the group – but warns the challenges have just begun for the UK’s largest urban areas

If ever there was a Wizard of Oz of local government, Core Cities UK could well be it. In a sector full of small organisations that achieve more than their diminutive size dictates, Core Cities UK stands out as smaller and mightier than most.

Chris Murray has just stepped down as director after 14 years in post – with his replacement Stephen Jones announced last week. It was, he tells The MJ, never the intention to stay so long, but every time he tried to leave things got interesting.