This month’s deep dive into local government reorganisation brings a timely and candid conversation with Rowan Cole, Director at Coal Face Engagement, as we unpack the shifting landscape of LGR and what the latest developments really mean for councils, leaders, and local politics.

Rowan joins me to break down what has changed, why the Government has delayed elections, and how this fits with the ambitions originally set out for reorganisation. We explore the contrast between last year’s confident narrative and the more hesitant signals emerging since December, including which parts of the programme have quietly progressed and which have clearly stalled.

We look closely at the election delay:

• What exactly has been pushed back
• Where the delays are happening
• The official explanation
• And the real‑world consequences for councils trying to plan, budget, and lead through uncertainty

Rowan offers grounded insight into what these delays say about confidence, pace, grip, and political alignment, and whether LGR still resembles a coherent, settled programme, or something more fluid and reactive.

We close with a forward look at what to watch next, the decisions that will signal whether momentum is returning or further drift is ahead, and how councils can stay prepared in a period where clarity is in short supply.

If you’re navigating LGR, advising on it, or simply trying to understand the shifting dynamics, this episode gives you the context, nuance, and practical read‑across you need.

In this episode of Truth About Local Government, we dive into how the London Borough of Newham is turning its Growth Plan into reality. With a strong focus on inclusive economy, community wealth building, and strategic investment, Newham is shaping a future where growth benefits everyone. Joining me is Darren Mackin, Director of Place-Making at the London Borough of Newham, to share what the council is doing on the ground to deliver this vision, the challenges they face, and how they’re engaging residents in the journey.

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) isn’t just about drawing new boundaries it’s about what happens in the first 100 days when governance design, delegation, and political confidence collide with real-world planning decisions. In this episode, we talk to Rowan Cole, Thought Leader on LGR & Founder and Director of COALFACE, about what truly determines whether reorganisation improves planning outcomes. We’ll explore lessons from Dorset, Somerset, and Northumberland, the early warning signs of drift, and why public trust and democratic legitimacy become operational issues. Plus, we’ll dive into The First 100 Days Playbook and how AI could help councils navigate the chaos.