The MJ

The MJ is the top weekly magazine in the UK aimed at council chief executives and their decision-making teams in local governments and related fields. It provides a behind-the-scenes look at current events and opinions in the constantly evolving and complex realm of local politics. Readers can find the latest news, thoughtful commentary, detailed features, interviews, business insights, and the best job openings in the industry.

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The basics matter

6 days ago | themj.co.uk | Iain Murray

FINANCE The basics matter Iain Murray says: 'Finalising the accounts, meeting reporting requirements and maintaining a grip on budgets are not just box-ticking exercises – but essential for good governance and underpin resilience.' By Iain Murray | 02 June 2025 SHARE In the build-up to the Spending Review announcement on 11 June, it is only natural we might hold out some hope about what's coming for public services that continue to operate under immense financial pressure.
Saying no to the status quo

6 days ago | themj.co.uk | Dan Peters

REORGANISATION Saying no to the status quo Reorganisation proposals for Surrey have sparked divisions, even between councils with the same party colours. Dan Peters talks to the key players and hears that the Treasury could hold all the cards. By Dan Peters | 02 June 2025 SHARE ‘I suppose it's not too different to being told you've got three years left to live,' says one council leader as they ponder local government reorganisation.
Reform and reorganisation

1 week ago | themj.co.uk | Laura Hughes

REORGANISATION Reform and reorganisation Laura Hughes asks what Reform UK’s local elections success will mean for local government reorganisation and how easy it will be for Labour to continue its programme of overhauling local government.
Sector should welcome mayors with open arms

2 weeks ago | themj.co.uk | Heather Jameson

MAYORS Sector should welcome mayors with open arms Heather Jameson says: 'Much like reorganisation, strategic authorities offer a blank page to re-write the rules. Regardless of their position in the LGA, they are a welcome part of the local government family.' By Heather Jameson | 21 May 2025 SHARE What constitutes the ‘local' part of local government?
Ministers 'should expand devolution agenda'

2 weeks ago | themj.co.uk | Joe Lepper

POLICY Ministers 'should expand devolution agenda' Ministers should expand their devolution agenda to give more powers to local government over rail firms, public funding and taxation, senior figures in the sector have urged. By Joe Lepper | 19 May 2025 SHARE Ministers should expand their devolution agenda to give more powers to local government over rail firms, public funding and taxation, senior figures in the sector have urged.
LGA shake-up after Reform polls success

1 month ago | themj.co.uk | Heather Jameson |Paul Marinko

POLITICS LGA shake-up after Reform polls success Reform UK is expected to form a political group within the Local Government Association (LGA) after its landslide victory at the polls. By Heather Jameson, Paul Marinko | 08 May 2025 SHARE Reform UK is expected to form a political group within the Local Government Association (LGA) after its landslide victory at the polls.
Encouraging communities to celebrate 80th anniversary of VE Day

1 month ago | themj.co.uk | Jo Blackman |Rebecca Rampat |Paul Marinko |Heather Jameson

Councils across the UK will be at the heart of community celebrations and commemoration events for the 80th anniversary of VE Day - a significant moment in our history. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has confirmed a full week's worth of events, from community events taking place on the bank holiday, Monday 5 May to national commemorations on Thursday 8 May.
Delivering innovative services and reorganisation

1 month ago | themj.co.uk | Paul Marinko |Heather Jameson |Martin Ford |Joe Lepper

Any discussion around local government reorganisation (LGR) is likely to reveal a mild case of schizophrenia within the sector. Add in a mention of innovation and this psychological split is inevitable. The state councils find themselves in – financially destitute and swamped with demand – has forced local authorities to strain every sinew to find new ways of coping. And many feel there isn't the head space to consider the weighty challenge of reorganisation.
Gambling on the next chief executive

1 month ago | themj.co.uk | Blair Mcpherson

LEADERSHIP Gambling on the next chief executive Appointing any chief executive is a risk, so how can councils shift the odds in their favour, asks Blair McPherson. By Blair McPherson | 28 April 2025 SHARE Appointments at chief executive level are always a gamble. History tells us most appointments fail. Especially if the previous post holder was a long-term success.
Innovation that delivers

1 month ago | themj.co.uk | Alison Griffin

PUBLIC SERVICE REFORM Innovation that delivers For a Government hungry for innovation that delivers, the boroughs and all councils have much to offer, says chief executive of London Councils Alison Griffin. By Alison Griffin | 23 April 2025 SHARE The 60th anniversary of London boroughs has brought home to me how much there is to celebrate and be proud of – and how much councils have to offer the Government's public service reform agenda.