In this episode of Meet the Leader, we travel to North Lincolnshire to sit down with Cllr Rob Waltham MBE, Leader of North Lincolnshire Council, for a wide-ranging and deeply personal conversation about leadership, public service and the realities of modern local government.

Rob reflects on his unconventional journey into politics, being “conned” into becoming a councillor in his twenties, and how early life experiences shaped his values and long-standing passion for children’s services. He shares candid insights into what it really means to lead a council: building trust with officers, navigating difficult decisions, carrying the weight of responsibility, and maintaining focus on people rather than systems.

The discussion explores Rob’s rise to council leader, the dynamics of internal party politics, the challenges and rewards of long-term leadership, and his experience standing as a mayoral candidate. Along the way, he speaks openly about moments of doubt, loyalty, resilience and the profound impact local government can have on individual lives.

This is an honest and thoughtful episode about service, values and why - despite its pressures - local government remains one of the most powerful ways to make a difference.

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.

In this episode of Meet the Leader, we sit down with Cllr Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council, to explore an unconventional route into local government – from running an independent music venue to leading one of the UK’s most distinctive island cities.

Steve shares how his lifelong passion for music, arts and culture has shaped his political philosophy, and why he believes culture should never be seen as a “nice to have”, but as a powerful driver of regeneration, opportunity and social change. From Portsmouth’s vibrant grassroots arts scene and street art reputation, to the role of football, the Navy and veterans’ communities in civic life, this conversation paints a rich picture of culture in its broadest sense.

We also delve into Steve’s views on devolution, local government finance, and the realities of leading a council under sustained pressure – including the frustrations of pace, resource constraints, and public expectations in an age of instant change. Along the way, he reflects on the importance of political literacy, why civics education matters, and what genuinely motivates people to step into public service.

The episode closes with a refreshingly grounded take on legacy. For Steve, leadership isn’t about plaques on walls or named buildings – it’s about whether, at the end of the day, he’s made a positive difference, even for just one person.

An honest, passionate and thoughtful conversation about place, purpose and what leadership in local government really looks like.

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.

In this episode, we sit down with Cllr Tudor Evans, one of the most experienced and enduring figures in local government. With over three decades of service, including five terms as Leader of Plymouth City Council, Cllr Tudor shares the journey that brought him into politics, the challenges and triumphs of leading a city through economic transformation, and why he’s still as passionate today as when he first stood for election in 1987.

We explore:

• Plymouth’s regeneration from naval decline to a city of culture, innovation, and industry
• The personal and political resilience needed to lead through economic headwinds
• How local government can catalyse investment and growth
• And what it really means to believe in – and bet on – your city

With humour, clarity, and no shortage of insight, Tudor offers a masterclass in civic leadership and long-term vision. If you care about place leadership, economic renewal, and what it takes to build lasting local impact, this is one to tune into.

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.

In the final Meet the Leader episode of 2024, Nick chats with Shantanu Rajawat, Leader of Hounslow Council.

Shantanu shares the journey that lead him to leading one of London’s most dynamic boroughs. They discuss the challenges of leadership, the importance of empowering young people, and bold ambitions for growth and opportunity in Hounslow. A must-listen for anyone passionate about community leadership and local government!

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.

In this special episode of Meet the Leader, Nick reflects on the incredible leaders that have featured on the show this year. From the leaders of BCP Council right up to Leeds City Council, he shares their key moments and insights in this yearly round up.

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.

In this episode of Meet the Leader, we sit down with Nick Adams-King, the newly appointed leader of Hampshire County Council. Nick shares his unconventional journey from running drag cabaret restaurants to navigating the complex world of local government. We explore his experiences as a business owner and the challenges he faced balancing public service with personal milestones.

Nick delves into his vision for Hampshire, addressing issues like deprivation, sustainable development, and local government restructuring. He reflects on the importance of community-driven leadership and the resilience required to manage the council through turbulent times. Join us for an insightful conversation about leadership, change, and making a real difference at the local level.

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.

In this episode Nick is joined by Cllr Sam Chapman-Allen, Leader of Breckland Council.

Sam shares his journey from a young councillor to council leader, inspired by his mother’s community work. They discuss the unique challenges young people face in politics, balancing career and public service, and Sam’s approach to mentorship. Sam highlights his vision for Breckland, focusing on community-driven planning and the award-winning “Inspiring Communities” program, tackling social issues like mental health and food insecurity.

As chairman of the District Councils Network, Sam also gives an insider look at advocating for local councils on a national level. This episode reveals the passion and dedication behind local government leadership.

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.

For this episode of Meet the Leader, host Nick Kilby is joined by Councillor Andy Mellen, Leader of Mid Suffolk District Council - the only council in the country outright controlled by the Green Party.

In this episode, Cllr Mellen talks about his journey into local government and his role as both as County and District councillor, while diving into the details of his fascinating career that saw him working in education and development in Nigeria and Malawi for six years.

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.