Meet the Leader with Cllr David Leaf

For this latest episode of Meet the Leader, host Nick Kilby is joined by Councillor David Leaf, Leader of the London Borough of Bexley.

During the conversation, Cllr Leaf reflects on growing up in Bexley, his longstanding interest in politics and his journey into local government. He talks about first being elected as a councillor in 2006, returning to the council in 2014 and taking on a series of senior roles before becoming Leader. He also discusses the experience of serving as Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Resources, and the lessons learned from helping lead the borough through the COVID-19 pandemic.

The episode explores Cllr Leaf’s ambitions for Bexley and his determination to combine strong day-to-day services with longer-term investment and regeneration. From maintaining roads, waste collections and other essential services to supporting high streets, parks and libraries, he explains why getting the basics right remains fundamental to building trust with residents.

Nick and David also discuss Bexley’s plans for economic growth, including the regeneration of Abbey Wood and Thamesmead, the borough’s ambitions for new housing and its continued campaign to extend the Elizabeth line towards Ebbsfleet. Cllr Leaf reflects on the importance of working with businesses, housing associations and other partners to unlock investment and deliver sustainable growth across the borough.

The conversation also looks at the wider financial and policy pressures facing local government. Cllr Leaf discusses changes to council funding, growing demands on social care and children’s services, planning and housing pressures, and the importance of being open with residents about what councils can, and cannot, afford to deliver.

Drawing on his experience working across London, he also considers the relationship between London boroughs, the Mayor of London and central government, as well as the opportunities that further devolution could create. He explains why collaboration across political and geographical boundaries will be essential if London’s councils are to secure the powers, resources and investment they need.

It is a wide-ranging and candid conversation about local leadership, regeneration, financial responsibility and the importance of keeping residents at the heart of decision-making while preparing Bexley for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Hosted by Cratus Group‘s Executive Chairman Nick Kilby, the Meet the Leader podcast is a space to learn about the leaders in local government, highlighting the tremendous work they do for the communities they serve. You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠⁠on Spotify here⁠ and wherever else you listen to your podcasts.