Join Nazeya Hussain, Solace Board member & EDI lead, as she uncovers the stories, that have shaped some of the most esteemed Chief Executives in Local Government. Discover in-depth interviews that explore their experiences and best practices, perfect for those intrigued by the challenges of the CEO role and the profound impact of councils on communities. With Nazeya's two decades of experience across all tiers of local government and her unwavering passion for making a difference, tune in for firsthand perspectives on local governance's challenges and triumphs. Proudly presented by Solace.
🎧 Ever wondered what it really takes to lead through local government reorganisation? The latest episode of Solace’s Local Government Stories features Duncan Sharkey, Chief Executive of Somerset Council — a leader who’s held the CEX role three times and worked across district, city and unitary councils. He shares clear, hard‑won lessons from taking over a newly formed council after LGR — what’s worked, what’s still a work‑in‑progress, and how to keep teams and places at the heart of change. Duncan also talks candidly about the move from CEX to Corporate Director for a period — why he made that call, what he learned, and how it shaped his growth back into the top role.
🔍 In this episode, we cover:
How leadership is about enabling others to succeed
Lessons from creating a brand-new council
Why culture matters more than structure
Leading through uncertainty and crisis
The future of local government
Enjoyed this episode? Follow #LocalGovernmentStories on Spotify and share it with someone in your network. Learn more about Solace: solace.org.ukContinue the conversation with us on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/solaceuk/
17 Jun 2026
Stuart Love
🎧 Local Government Stories – Featuring Stuart Love, Chief Executive of Westminster City CouncilWhat shapes a leader who puts equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) at the heart of modern public service?In this episode of Solace’s Local Government Stories podcast, we speak to Stuart Love, Chief Executive of Westminster City Council, about his inspiring career journey and leadership approach in UK local government.
Stuart reflects on his early experiences in South Africa during the historic 1994 democratic elections, and how they shaped his commitment to inclusive leadership, equality, and social impact. He shares insights into his career across the Isle of Wight, Southampton, and Westminster City Council, before returning as Chief Executive in 2018.
This episode explores:
Leadership in UK local government
Embedding equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in public services
Career pathways and progression in the public sector
Lessons from leading one of London’s most high-profile councils
The future of local governance, leadership, and public service delivery
Perfect for professionals working in local authorities, councils, public sector leadership, policy, and governance, this conversation offers practical insights and inspiration for building more inclusive communities.Enjoyed this episode? Follow #LocalGovernmentStories on Spotify and share it with someone in your network.Learn more about Solace: solace.org.ukContinue the conversation with us on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/solaceuk/
16 Jun 2026
Mark Wynn & Lukman Patel
In this episode of Local Government Stories, we hear from Mark Wynn, Chief Executive of Lancashire County Council, and Lukman Patel, Chief Executive of Burnley Borough Council, about leadership, collaboration and change across local government in Lancashire.
The conversation also explores community cohesion in Burnley, place-based leadership, and the realities of leading in the public sector during a period of significant local government change.
If you are interested in local government reform, council leadership, devolution, public sector leadership, place-based working, local authority collaboration and the future of local government in England, this episode is for you.
If you found this episode useful, follow Local Government Stories on Spotify and share it with a colleague.
Follow Solace: solace.org.uk (https://solace.org.uk/)
Connect with us on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/solaceuk/), Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/solace-uk.bsky.social), X (https://x.com/Solace_UK)
Who has been a guest on Local Government Stories
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Dawn Carter-McDonald
Kate Kennally
Robin Tuddenham
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Spotify
4.6 / 5
15 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 20 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
10
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
77
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