Insight

A Faer Point: The critical importance of effective leadership

After a tumultuous couple of weeks in the world of politics both in the UK and USA, Faerfield colleagues have been reflecting on the potential impact of the change of government in the UK. We have been struck by the dramatic tone of the new leadership with the focus on service, the diversity of backgrounds, gender and lived experience of MPs across the Labour benches and the refreshing focus on meaningful devolution, as shown with the positive engagement of Mayors and local government more broadly. A striking contrast to the fractious and fractured leadership of the outgoing administration.

There seems to be a sense of cohesion, purpose and vision and a leadership team that recognises the strength individual colleagues bring to the Cabinet. Time will tell if they can maintain that unity as they face formidable challenges ahead, but early signs are promising.

In contrast, in the USA, the Presidential leadership model has created a polarised and potentially dangerous situation where the leadership of both parties seem to lack the credibility to hold a federated union together. One wonders at the inability of the democratic party to deliver successful succession and transition with seemingly, a lack in confidence in the Vice President and others to take on the baton. In the Republican Party, the inability to challenge behaviours and to enthusiastically embrace an autocratic leadership model could have significant ramifications in terms of economic and political relationships, not just in the US but across the globe.

In the UK the challenge will be to provide leadership at a local and national level that can successfully navigate the challenges ahead and we at Faerfield hope to play a small part in securing that objective.

Roger Russell is Partner with Faerfield Limited.

Originally published in the Municipal Journal, 18 July 2024.

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