And so we say farewell to yet another London borough chief executive as Peter Rogers steps down from Westminster. As we head towards the Olympics, and possibly the most exciting time to be part of the public sector in the capital, it would appear local government is losing its bosses all over the place – just in time to get the new ones bedded in to prepare for the games. Mr Rogers' retirement in the centre of London may not be in the East End, such as Newham or Hackney, but Westminster is equally important for the Olympics. It is, after all, the heart of the capital, and provides the showcase streets which greet London's tourists. It is, undoubtedly, one of the top jobs local government has to offer. It may only be running a part of the capital, but it is the part with an international reputation. Local government has, for many years, had a love-hate relationship with Westminster – mostly the latter. This is an authority which provides excellent services, is at the top of the pile when it comes to inspections, and yet, still manages to keep council tax down. Westminster is, in effect, the class swot of local government. It has a quiet and unassuming chief executive, and in Sir Simon Milton, newly elected as chairman of the LGA, it has one of the top council leaders in the country. And now the authority has decided it will share some of the ideas which have made it successful with the rest of local government. Councils across the country will have the chance to improve the Westminster Way. There is a chance that local government will not want the advice of the Westminster know-it-alls. But surely, the best bet is to take any advice going to be able to deliver services on ever-decreasing budgets. The only way local government will stop its love -hate relationship with Westminster is by being better. And surely, the starting point is to steal all its good practice tricks first. Heather Jameson, Deputy Editor, The MJ
