News from Local Labour

David Sparks elected Leader of Labour in Local Government

Councillor David Sparks (Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council) has been elected as the new Leader Elect of the LGA Labour Group. He won in a contest with Councillor Peter Box (Wakefield Metropolitan District Council) and Councillor John Merry (Salford City Council).

Sir Jeremy Beecham, Labour’s Leader in Local Government, said:

“I am delighted to welcome Councillor David Sparks as Leader Elect of the LGA Labour Group. David will take over the leadership after I stand down at the LGA Conference in July. He has worked tirelessly and effectively over the years on behalf of local Labour in Dudley, in the West Midlands, and nationally as part of the Leadership team at the LGA. I know he has the experience and skills to lead the LGA Labour Group and will continue to fight the corner for Labour Councillors within the LGA, the Labour Party and the media.

“In the potentially turbulent political and economic times ahead, it is more important than ever that Labour in Local Government has a strong collective voice, anchored both in the communities we represent and in the values we as a party cherish. I am absolutely confident that David Sparks will deliver for Labour in local government.”

Councillor David Sparks, Leader Elect of Labour in Local Government, said:

“We have just had a long, very intense four-month campaign which has involved Labour Groups from around the country and resulted in a tremendously high turnout. It was quite clear in the election that there is a massive consensus for change. The three candidates have maintained maximum unity based on mutual respect that has strengthened the determination of the Labour Local Government to ensure a Labour victory at the polls in May.

“It is a tremendous privilege to be elected the Leader of the group and an incredible challenge to follow Jeremy Beecham. I look forward to continuing to work closely with John Merry and Peter Box as well as the rest of the LGA Labour Group to take Labour Local Government forward to meet the challenges of the next decade.”