Michael Burton

England

Editorial Director at The MJ

Editorial director of The MJ weekly magazine and public sector commentator. My third book From Broke to Brexit: Britain's Lost Decade is now out from Springer.

Articles

A life-changing move for the best

1 month ago | themj.co.uk | Michael Burton

LEADERSHIP A life-changing move for the best As retiring Essex CC chief executive Gavin Jones contemplates spending more time with his family – not to mention as lead commissioner for Slough and Thurrock BCs – he tells Michael Burton how a move from the private sector proved to be the best career decision he ever made By Michael Burton | 04 March 2025 SHARE When private sector manager Gavin Jones first joined a local authority in 2003 he thought it was the biggest mistake of his career....
Nailing scale

2 months ago | themj.co.uk | Simon T Kaye |Emily Twinch |Michael Burton |John Gregory

In our strangely over-centralised country, massive changes are under way. The Government has set out a near-comprehensive vision for the sector, alongside both the willingness and the political capital to act upon it. Which is not to say the process will be easy. Together, reorganisation and devolution will be a recipe for turbulence. The goal? A simpler two-tier system composed of strategic authorities to co-ordinate the big picture and local authorities to do the statutory delivery hard-yards.
Stick to the long-term, Sir Keir

Dec 10, 2024 | themj.co.uk | Michael Burton

POLICY AND POLITICS Stick to the long-term, Sir Keir While unforeseen events can knock a new government off course, ministers need to ensure they keep focused on their priorities for tackling long-term social and economic challenges says Michael Burton By Michael Burton | 11 December 2024 SHARE Some 20 years ago I interviewed Alastair Campbell, the former No10 press chief under Tony Blair, soon after Campbell stepped down from his post.
Understand what makes an 'awesome' employee experience

Dec 5, 2024 | themj.co.uk | Ann McGauran |Heather Jameson |Michael Burton |Matt Crossley

Local authority leaders need to understand ‘what makes an awesome employee experience' in their council when they are transforming services, The MJ Future Forum North has heard. Speaking today at the event in Manchester, transformation director public service UK&I at Oracle Leatham Green said he puts forward ‘three keywords when it comes to getting things done'.
Future Forum North:

Dec 5, 2024 | themj.co.uk | Ann McGauran |Paul Marinko |Michael Burton |Matt Crossley

Devolution to combined authorities is ‘really working and is powering growth in our city region', says the chief executive of Greater Manchester Combined Authority. Caroline Simpson told the opening session of The MJ Future Forum North in Manchester: ‘Ours is the fastest growing economy in the UK at the moment. Manchester is the most invested in city because of the decades of work that's gone into building up the devolution agenda in Greater Manchester and the set of organisations involved.
The MJ Regeneration supplement December 2024

Dec 5, 2024 | themj.co.uk | Michael Burton |Matt Crossley |Dan Peters

REGENERATION The MJ Regeneration supplement December 2024 Calls to relax Treasury rules to unleash development, plus much more. SHARE © Alex Segre / Shutterstock.com Calls to relax Treasury rules to unleash development, plus much more.
Reluctant chief who became a winner

Dec 5, 2024 | themj.co.uk | Michael Burton |Jon Rouse |Martin Ford |Greg Clark

Breckland Council chief executive Maxine O'Mahony says she is a good example of why diffidence should not stand in the way of ambition. The road to the Park Plaza Hotel, Westminster where last June she received her award as The MJ's Chief Executive of the Year in front of 1,000 guests began just before the pandemic. She was then a director on the council and recalls: ‘I was happy being a director. I was reluctant to be a chief executive.
Hounslow's healthy haven

Oct 17, 2024 | themj.co.uk | Katherine Merrifield |Gwen Nightingale |Michael Burton |Martin Ford

It is always a delight to take a step back and celebrate the inspiring work of councils and this is why The MJ Awards has been a highlight of our work on improving health and reducing health inequalities. By sponsoring the Whole-Team Approach to Tackling Health Inequalities Award, the Health Foundation is shining a spotlight on the excellent work that continues in councils, despite very challenging financial circumstances. National government must play its role too.
Pointing towards a brighter partnership

Oct 17, 2024 | themj.co.uk | Matt Prosser |Michael Burton |Kath O'Dwyer |William Eichler

As I near the end of my term as Solace president, it is a time for reflection on what has been an exciting and yet challenging two years for the sector. 2024 in particular has been eventful with local and national elections, culminating in a change of government this summer. This has inevitably brought about much uncertainty across numerous horizons. Change can be intimidating, but it also presents opportunities.
Get ready to shine at The MJ Awards 2025

Oct 16, 2024 | themj.co.uk | Michael Burton

MJ AWARDS Get ready to shine at The MJ Awards 2025 You are brilliant and your services are great – so now is your chance to tell your peers just what a wonderful a job your teams are doing! By Michael Burton | 17 October 2024 SHARE You are brilliant and your services are great – so now is your chance to tell your peers just what a wonderful a job your teams are doing! It's time to start planning your entry to The MJ Awards 2025, details of which have just been launched on our website...