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PODCASTS

Inside the Local Authority of the Year

Back in June, Knowsley Council was named 'Local Authority of the Year' award at The MJ Awards. In this episode of podcast Our World is Local hosts Nick Kilby and Heather James speak to Knowsley chief Mike Harden.

Back in June, Knowsley Council was named  'Local Authority of the Year' award at The MJ Awards. In this episode of podcast Our World is Local hosts Nick Kilby and Heather James speak to Knowsley chief Mike Harden. 

Mike's career in local government spans almost 40 years - 28 of them at Knowsley. He talks about the culture and achievements that made the council award-winning. Mike will be retiring from his position at the end of 2024, and will be doing so on an incredibly high note!

Hosted by Cratus Group CEO Nick Kilby and the Editor of The MJ, Heather Jameson, the ‘Our World is Local' podcast is a space to learn about the key figures in local government, highlighting the tremendous work they do for the communities they serve. 

You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠⁠on Spotify  and wherever else you listen to your podcasts.

PODCASTS

Staff left reeling after LGA restructure plans

By Heather Jameson | 08 January 2026

Local Government Association (LGA) staff face pay cuts of up to £30,000 under modernisation plans.

PODCASTS

Recognition for local government in New Year Honours list 2026

By Martin Ford | 02 January 2026

Council chief executives, directors and members have all received recognition from the King in the 2026 New Year Honours list.

PODCASTS

A system for success

By Heather Jameson | 23 December 2025

Luton Council’s bold 2040 vision prioritises jobs, homes and safety. Heather Jameson talks to chief executive Mark Fowler about taking a systems-based approa...

PODCASTS

Regeneration: Tenacity, not tenure: keeping a long-term project on track

By Nick Eveleigh | 23 December 2025

Delivering a new train station in Chelmsford has been a decades-long project. Nick Eveleigh reflects on the long-term nature of delivering what really matter...