In this episode, Heather Jameson and Nick Kilby are joined by Graham Farrant, former Chief Executive of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council, to explore the realities of delivering one of the UK's largest local government reorganisations.

Drawing on his experience leading the creation of BCP Council, Graham shares practical lessons on what it really takes to bring multiple authorities together. From programme management and political change to service integration, IT systems and organisational culture, he offers a candid account of the challenges and opportunities that come with creating a new council.

With local government reorganisation gathering pace across England, the discussion examines the importance of investing in programme management, managing workforce and financial pressures, harmonising services, and maintaining day-to-day operations while delivering transformational change. Graham also reflects on how events such as the COVID-19 pandemic tested the resilience of a newly formed authority and why councils embarking on reorganisation should view it as a long-term opportunity rather than a short-term exercise.

An insightful conversation for anyone involved in local government, devolution or organisational transformation, packed with practical advice for councils preparing for the next wave of local government reorganisation.

Hosted by Cratus Group Executive Chairman Nick Kilby and the Editor of The MJ, Heather Jameson, the ‘Our World is Local’ podcast is a space to learn about the key figures in local government, highlighting the tremendous work they do for the communities they serve. You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠here⁠.

You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠⁠on Spotify here⁠ and wherever else you listen to your podcasts.

As Reform sweeps county halls, the Greens surge across London and Labour faces tough questions in its traditional heartlands, this special Local Elections edition of Our World Is Local dives deep into one of the most dramatic local election nights in recent memory.

Hosts Nick and Heather are joined by Cratus Group’s Charlotte Platten and Harriet Shone to unpack the big winners, the bruising losses, the rise of coalition politics and what it all means for the future of local government, housing delivery and devolution.

From Reform UK’s breakthrough in places like Kent and Essex to the Conservatives’ surprisingly strong performance in London boroughs including Westminster, Bromley and Bexley, the panel explores why some political narratives held and why others collapsed completely.

The episode also tackles:

• The growing influence of the Green Party in London
• Whether Reform can transition from protest movement to governing party
• The political fallout of Birmingham’s bin crisis
• Housing battles in Barnet, Enfield and across the capital
• Tactical voting, fragile coalitions and the rise of “kingmaker” councillors
• Why local government needs more vision, hope and leadership
• The warning signs for Labour ahead of the next General Election

And underpinning it all is a stark reminder: while political maps may change overnight, councils still face the daily challenge of delivering the basics, from bins and potholes to housing and temporary accommodation for thousands of children.

If you care about politics, placemaking, councils or the future direction of the country, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Hosted by Cratus Group Executive Chairman Nick Kilby and the Editor of The MJ, Heather Jameson, the ‘Our World is Local’ podcast is a space to learn about the key figures in local government, highlighting the tremendous work they do for the communities they serve. You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠here⁠.

You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠⁠on Spotify here⁠ and wherever else you listen to your podcasts.

In this episode, hosts Nick Kilby and Heather Jameson are joined by Jonathan Stephenson, Chief Executive of Brentwood and Rochford Councils, for a candid conversation on the challenges shaping local government today, from election uncertainty and devolution delays to capacity pressures and declining trust in the system.

Alongside the politics and policy, the episode shines a light on something more personal: the Public Sector Challenge. What began as a mission to raise money for cancer charities has grown into a nationwide movement focused on wellbeing, connection and community across the sector.

Jonathan shares how the challenge has evolved - from the iconic Three Peaks to the growing programme of events including the London Bridges Walk, regional community challenges, and even the ambitious new Ultra Challenge, taking on five peaks across the UK and Ireland in just 48 hours. With over 850 people tackling the peaks, 1,000 crossing London’s bridges, and more than £400,000 raised, the impact is already significant.

More than just fundraising, it’s about getting people moving, talking, and reconnecting with why they came into public service in the first place.

An honest, insightful and ultimately uplifting episode about leadership, resilience, and the power of collective action in challenging times.

Hosted by Cratus Group Executive Chairman Nick Kilby and the Editor of The MJ, Heather Jameson, the ‘Our World is Local’ podcast is a space to learn about the key figures in local government, highlighting the tremendous work they do for the communities they serve. You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠here⁠.

You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠⁠on Spotify here⁠ and wherever else you listen to your podcasts.