Operation Black Vote and LGA event emphasises the importance of local government

On Tuesday, the Operation Black Vote and LGA leadership conference took place, with the importance of local governance emphasised throughout the event.

After a brief visit from former OBV director Simon Woolley, the head of the LGA, Mark Lloyd, spoke on the importance of collaboration and negotiation in local politics. Sonika Sidhu, Principal Policy Adviser at Local Government Association, then gave a debrief on the role and structure of local government as well as the importance of building relationships at local level. Perhaps most important of all was the fact that this section offered attendees the opportunity to engage with proceedings.

Sidhu, who also spoke about making the most of opportunities when encountering decision makers at a national level, directed the group through a mock pitch exercise. Attendees made their arguments for the support of local authorities to better deal with issues such as the climate emergency and the resettlement of refugees.

Following on from Sonika Sidhu, the editor of the Voice newspaper Lester Holloway gave a comprehensive guide to political communication while offering advice for working with the media to amplify messaging around local causes.

Dr. Stéphanie Harvey who works as a Senior policy advisor in the Cabinet Office then provided a thorough analysis of life in the civil service. She was followed by OBV alumni including Frank Starling, Amina Ali, Margaret Greer and Mete Coban, who each spoke on the highs and lows of their journeys in local politics.

This theme continued through to the evening with Pathway To Success graduates, Cllr Alex Yip, Laks Mann, Cllr Eartha Pond, Dr Sarah Itam and Faheem Khan, giving insight into the impact that the scheme has had on their leadership development.

Why local government matters

Local authorities in the United Kingdom can be found in the following structures: county councils, district councils, unitary authorities, metropolitan districts, London boroughs, and parish councils. Because of the varying scope of its influence, local government is in a strong position to provide critical community services. 

It are also well placed to have a meaningful impact on transportation, social care, housing, and more. Councillors are elected to make decisions on these matters and the importance of these services illustrates how valuable local authorities are.

However, regular visitors to the OBV website will know many of these areas are not immune to issues of racial discrimination that are still present in society.

OBV’s strategy has been to put decision-making power in the hands of Black communities so that they can actively shape policy in their best interests. Finding yourself in a position of active service will leave you better placed to do so. The drive for greater diversity at the local level has been consistent. Despite 14% of people in the UK coming from what are termed as ‘racialised’ backgrounds, they represent only 7% of elected councillors.

Who are my councillors?

If you’re looking to find local councillors, you can search for them here. If you wish to contact them on any pressing issue, you can do so here.

When are councillors elected?

Councillors are elected on four year terms by members of their local community. This generally occurs every four years but election timetables can differ depending on the local authority. For instance, some councils choose to elect their bodies by thirds, thus holding elections every year aside from the fourth national, local election year. The most recent local elections in England and Wales took place in May this year. By-elections, which occur when an elected official vacates their seat, can occur between local elections. In the lead up to elections.

If you want to learn more about how to represent your community and make decisions that improve the lives of local residents, make sure to follow OBV on social media (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin) and regularly visit the OBV website for upcoming announcements of new civic leadership programmes. Also, visit the Local Government Association website and GOV.uk to find out more about becoming a councillor.

OBV

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For 25 years OBV have fought to ensure political Black and minority ethnic participation and representation in civic society. However, efforts in continuing to do so are greatly benefited by your help. That way we can continue this fight for greater race equality. What would give us a tremendous boost is if today, you made that small donation yourselves, but even more importantly if you encouraged others to do likewise.