Sometimes its good to be reminded how councillors can make a difference. In all the gloomy talk about how marginalised the role has become we do occasionally need to hear how energy and talent can bring new opportunities for local communities. In recent years Leicester has not always emerged as one of the most innovative of local councils. So it was quite intriguing to see that one of the priorities for the new administration in Leicester elected this May was to appoint a special envoy to the 2012 Olympic Games. Given the other pressing priorities for a new political leadership - and at a time when even some London boroughs are still working out how they can be involved with the Olympics - it was an ambitious move. Not only that but they appointed a newly elected 25 year old councillor to the role. At a recent fastrack programme for ambitious councillors I met Cllr Rory Palmer who is Leicester's special envoy. This is no sinecure or fancy title and Rory is a credit to his city and his party. He is very clear about what he wants to achieve as part of a wider city strategy for promoting sports. Leicester has recently been nominated as European City of Sport for 2008 and is also bidding for the 2009 Special Olympics. The position and profile generated has already attracted the interest of other cities and the Olympic Delivery Agency. More than sport it also links to a programme of participation in sport and physical fitness for all their citizens. The recent rather depressing report which indicates that over 50% of all adults will be clinically obese by 2050 shows just how limited the success has been of a centrally driven public health programme. It is worth remembering that the European country which has transformed itself from the ‘fattest to the fittest' is Finland where the entire public health has been driven by its local authorities So back to Leicester. The special envoy role is a pretty impressive one for a new councillor and one which shows how talent spotting has to be part of any leader's toolkit. It also indicates how political leadership is absolutely essential to promoting the well being and future prosperity of local communities. Now that the Local Government Act has been given Royal Assent and the finishing touches are being put on the final report of the Councillors Commission it all helps to remind us what effective local politics can achieve! Paul Wheeler is director of the Political Skills Forum.
