LGA leadership battle begins

Margaret Easton was quick to throw hat into the ring

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Margaret Eaton has emerged as the early frontrunner to become the next chair of the Local Government Association after Sir Simon Milton's sensational resignation earlier this week.

Cllr Eaton, who came to the end of her three-year term as Conservative group leader this month, confirmed  she was "certainly considering putting her hat in the ring".

A number of senior Conservative local government sources told LGC the choice would likely be between Cllr Eaton and her successor as group leader, David Shakespeare.

However, Cllr Shakespeare, Buckinghamshire CC's leader, subsequently ruled himself out of the running, leaving Cllr Eaton in a strong position.

"I shan't be a candidate," Cllr Shakespeare said. "I have just achieved the job I really want to do which will be my total focus for the next three years."

Sir Simon's resignation comes at a crucial time for local government, with the Conservatives enjoying a healthy poll lead and in the process of drafting local government policy.

Shadow communities secretary Eric Pickles has also been vociferous in recent weeks, insisting Tory councils follow approved policy on matters such as incentives for recycling (LGC, 19 June).

Gordon Keymer, leader of Tandridge DC, also wasted no time in declaring his candidacy, hailing his "long and good relationship" with Mr Pickles. Meanwhile, big hitters such as London Councils chairman Merrick Cockell, Oxfordshire CC leader Keith Mitchell, Bracknell Forest BC leader Paul Bettison, and Leicestershire CC's David Parsons said they were yet to decide.

Under LGA rules, the biggest party in local government — the Tories — will choose the next chair. Its Conservative group will meet this afternoon to iron out the procedural details of electing a successor to Sir Simon by September, following a ballot of the party's leaders and group leaders.

Sir Simon stepped down late on Monday after being forced to choose between becoming a full-time member of Boris Johnson's mayoral administration in London and his LGA role. He is expected to take over as deputy mayor for planning and policy on 1 September.

He came in for criticism from LGA group leaders towards the end of his tenure for blurring the lines between his role as LGA chairman and his personal political views (LGC, 3 July).

Sir Jeremy Beecham, leader of the LGA's Labour group, said "an ability to work in a consensual way with other groups" would be essential for the next chair. "The chair of the association is not the Conservative group leader," he said. "I'm not sure how high a profile the chair of the association should take."

Sir Jeremy added that the excessive workload could prevent the next chair from remaining a council leader as well as chairing the organisation — a problem Cllr Eaton would not face.

Of the challenges facing his successor Sir Simon said: "Having reached tipping point, the key challenge is to make sure we tip in the right direction and that party manifestos contain strong localising measures. Of course we must continue to engage with Eric Pickles about his ideas as we would for any party."

The runners and riders to become new LGA chairman

Margaret Eaton,

Bradford City MDC,

Had glowing tributes from Labour and Lib Dem group leaders at LGA conference. Quick to throw hat in ring.

Gordon Keymer,

Tandridge DC,

Came second to Sir Simon last time round. It is unclear if larger councils would support a chair from a district.

Lord hanningfield,

Essex CC,

Has 'previous' as a one-time LGA Tory group leader. His campaign against post office closures won him plaudits.

Keith Mitchell,

Oxfordshire CC,

Has clashed with the government over regional policy, but is highly respected by his peers.

Paul Bettison,

Bracknell Forest BC,

Highest media profile  after Sir Simon. Support for 'pay-as-you-throw' puts him at odds with Eric Pickles.

David Shakespeare,

Buckinghamshire CC,

Could be a frontrunner, but says he wants to focus on being Conservative group leader.