Bella Sankey one of the first council leaders to attend Downing Street

Council leader Bella Sankey has already visited 10 Downing Street to meet four key ministers in the new Labour Government.

Councillor Sankey visited the country’s main seat of power in her new role as Deputy Labour Group Leader on the Local Government Association, following the State Opening of Parliament earlier this month.

The LGA represents the 317 local councils in England and Wales, and Councillor Sankey’s role means she is tasked with representing the views of local government to the new national.

Clear desire to reset relationship

The Brighton & Hove leader met Housing, Communities and Local Government ministers Jim McMahon and Baroness Taylor of Stevenage; Andrew Gwynne, Health and Social Care minister; and Cabinet Office secretary Georgia Gould, whose key responsibility is public sector reform.

Councillor Sankey said: "It was fantastic to attend No 10 earlier this month on behalf of the Local Government Association to meet not one, but four, new government ministers with responsibilities for our work.

"Most refreshing was the clear desire to reset the relationship between national and local government to one of genuine partnership and to think big and bold on improving public services."

Residents' interests to be at the heart of future meetings

Councillor Sankey added: "I'm looking forward to regular meetings with ministers to help shape national policy and to put the interests of residents across Brighton & Hove and our wider region at the heart of government."

Councillor Sankey attended No 10 with other LGA leaders including Bev Craig, Manchester City Council leader; Peter Mason, Ealing Council leader; Pete Marland, Milton Keynes City Council leader; Susan Hinchcliffe, Bradford CC leader; and Vince Maple, leader of Medway Council.