LGA Chair Cllr Gittins' closing speech to the LGA Annual Conference on 3 July 2025.
Good morning, everyone.
Can we have another round of applause for the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister McMahon please?
On behalf of the LGA and local government, I do want to say thank you so much, Angela and Jim, for being here today and for your continued commitment to working in partnership with the sector.
And thank you to Bev Craig for chairing that session.
So we’ve heard loud and clear just how much local leadership matters for our country.
And as the LGA’s engagement with Angela, Jim, and the rest of government continues, we will do everything we can to make sure your voice – our voice -of our sector continues to shape the national agenda.
As our time here in Liverpool draws ever closer to an end, I just want to say a massive thank you to each and every one of you for making this another fantastic conference.
Thank you to Liam and Liverpool City Council for hosting us so brilliantly.
And thank you to our main stage speakers who have helped us reflect on where we’ve come and more importantly where we’re heading.
A special thanks also goes to all of our sponsors, especially our gold supporter ‘CCLA’, as well as all the exhibitors who have helped make this conference a success.
Colleagues, I hope you’ve loved being here as much as I have. I’ve felt a real vibe.
I’ve really enjoyed reconnecting with colleagues and meeting new ones from right across the country.
From the buzzing Innovation Zone with some fantastic exhibitions to the thought-provoking breakout sessions, it’s been great hearing all about your new ideas and swapping notes on what works in between another packed programme.
And it’s not over yet!
Still to come, we have a plenary on the Government’s Get Britain Working White Paper, and there will be further discussions on local government’s role in wider public service reform and how we’re driving the use of technology particularly for innovation, growth and improve essential services.
This conference is far from over, so don’t go anywhere!
I think this week for me has also been a great reminder of what sets local government apart – our ability to work together, across boundaries and political divides, in the interests of the people who elected us.
And it’s that sense of unity. That shared mission. Our determination. That’s what makes the LGA such a powerful force for change.
I see it on all my visits to your councils across the country, so I thank you for continuing to bring that energy and commitment to your work.
And last, but certainly not least, I want to say a huge thank you to the incredible LGA team not just today but for everything they’ve done to deliver another brilliant conference. And everything they do to deliver for our councils.
It’s no small task to pull together a conference this big, but what a great job you’ve done. I am really grateful.
If you missed it in my opening
Now is the time to get your phones and diaries out as I am pleased to unveil the date and location of our next big get together…
Colleagues, please join me and the rest of the LGA team next summer in Bournemouth for our annual conference on 7 – 9 July 2026.
Until then, and if I don’t see you this afternoon, have a successful end to your conference, and get home safe.
Thank you.