Stephen Morgan MP has been appointed as a parliamentary Vice-President of the Local Government Association (LGA) to promote the vital work of local government.
It comes as the LGA renews their strategy for the coming year ahead of the next general election, by which they will be seeking to build a brand new central-local partnership in which local government can work to its full potential.
Local government is responsible for a range of vital services for people and businesses in defined areas. Among them are well known functions such as social care, schools, housing and planning and waste collection, but also lesser known ones such as licensing, business support, registrar services and pest control.
As Vice President of the LGA, Mr Morgan will be holding the Government to account for legislation and policy impacting local government. He will also seek to demonstrate the value of local government, highlight the challenges councils face, and promote the opportunities to do things differently on a wide range of issues.
Following the appointment, commenting Portsmouth MP Stephen Morgan said:
“As someone who has previously worked in local government and served as acouncillor, I know personally the vital work undertaken in local government to make our communities a better place.
Local Government is the bedrock of our country. From keeping our communities safe to administering vital public services – the key role they play in our society is undeniable.
That’s why I am delighted to accept the position of LGA’s Parliamentary Vice-Chair, to use my voice in Parliament to advocate on behalf of councils, ensuring their value is recognised, and that they have the support and tools they need to do their job”
The City MP has been a longtime supporter of the Local Government Association, and formerly served as the Shadow Local Government Minister for Communities.
In Parliament he has provided a strong voice for councils in the face of unprecedented challenges, while arguing against the cuts perpetuated by the Lib Dems and Tories.
Before going into politics, he started his career as a local authority play worker, worked at Portsmouth City Council in the Chief Executive’s Office before being appointed Head of Community Engagement at the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.
