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Author Profile

Graeme McDonald

Graeme McDonald

Director of the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives

Articles by Graeme McDonald

DEVOLUTION

Rewiring the state: turning central-local partnership into action

By Graeme McDonald | 06 October 2026

Graeme McDonald looks at how Whitehall and local government can turn partnership, trust and ambit...

POLICY AND POLITICS

Manchesterism and the future of local government reform

By Graeme McDonald | 09 July 2026

Graeme McDonald explains why meaningful devolution requires fiscal reform, stronger partnerships ...

SOLACE

Local politicians should not mistake professional challenge for obstruction

By Graeme McDonald | 28 May 2026

Graeme McDonald says council officers should give honest, sometimes uncomfortable, professional a...

SOLACE

Prevention is not an ideological choice; it is a practical necessity

By Graeme McDonald | 16 April 2026

There is a risk that the sector burns more time debating boundaries, governance and organisationa...

SOLACE

Leadership in local government is rarely about having full control

By Graeme McDonald | 03 March 2026

Attempting transformation in a complex system without bringing people with you only erodes trust ...

SOLACE

How councils can best prepare for a new political administration

By Graeme McDonald | 21 January 2026

By making preparations early, council employees can help new administrations avoid the pitfalls o...

Solace will continue to provide comfort and inspiration

By Graeme McDonald | 19 November 2025

Graeme McDonald says the name ‘Solace’ is more than a legacy – 'it’s a promise that whatever pres...

REORGANISATION

Clearer parameters should bring new opportunities

By Graeme McDonald | 07 October 2025

The opportunity to invest in change and build resilience offers the chance to drive new forms of ...

GOVERNANCE

Understanding the Golden Triangle

By Graeme McDonald | 10 September 2025

Graeme McDonald explores a report that outlines the vital responsibilities of local government’s ...

GOVERNANCE

Local government stays in limbo on standards

By Graeme McDonald | 28 August 2025

'Ethical leadership is not just a national concern – it is foundational to trust in local democra...

MOSt READ news

View all News
  1. Local government reorganisation: A genuine pause creates the conditions for a decision
  2. Cornwall silent on exit payments after chief executive and finance boss quit
  3. Debate on unitary council size intensifies ahead of Government review
  4. Rowlands set to stay on until 2028
  5. Councils must be 'convenors' on rough sleeping, says LGA chair after No10 summit
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