New local government minister: CCN responds

Today the local government minister Simon Clarke has resigned from his position due to personal reasons and has been replaced by Luke Hall, who was the minister for homelessness in the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government.

Below, the County Councils Network responds.

Cllr David Williams, chairman of the County Councils Network, said:

“Simon Clarke has been a supportive figure for local government during Coronavirus, engaging with and acting on our concerns and building a strong rapport with county leaders. We wish him well.

“Simon had a hugely important role in setting out the government’s radical vision for devolution and reform which will be outlined in the forthcoming white paper.

“I welcome Luke Hall’s appointment having built up a relationship with him during his time in the department and county leaders hope he continues on his predecessor’s reforming zeal in what we hope will be a radical period of overdue change for local government.”