John O’Brien to step down next April

  • By Gemma Kappala-R...

London Councils' Chief Executive, John O’Brien, has decided to step down from his role in April 2021. O’Brien, who formerly worked in senior roles in Government, the IDeA and in consultancy with KPMG, has been at the helm of the body representing London’s local authorities since March 2007. 

Commenting this week, O’Brien said:

“By next spring I will have been in the role for 14 years and I have let the political Group Leaders know that I think that will be a good time for me to begin to shift my focus and explore some new opportunities.

It has been an enormous privilege to have been engaged right at the centre of London government over this period with a range of national and London partners and with the great team at London Councils. In particular, I have been very fortunate to have had the chance of working so closely with outstanding political leaders and senior officers in the boroughs on behalf of the communities they represent and of London overall.” 

Chair of London Councils and Labour Group Leader, Councillor Peter John OBE, said:

“John has made a tremendous contribution to London local government. We will be very sorry to see him go, but I understand his desire to explore some new opportunities at this point in his career. His insight and leadership have been highly valued by all levels of government and by partners across London. I have loved working with John and wish him every success for the future.” 

Vice Chair and Conservative Group Leader, Councillor Teresa O’Neill OBE, said:

“John has worked effectively under both Conservative and Labour Chairs of the organisation, as well as with Group Leaders on a cross party basis. He has navigated that course with great skill over many years, helping make London Councils a place where boroughs can work together and speak strongly and credibly on a cross party basis.”

Vice Chair and Liberal Democrat Group Leader, Councillor Ruth Dombey OBE, said:

“I would like to thank John for the work he has done and also for the way he has gone about it. He has rightly won a high degree of trust and respect among London and national partners. We will really miss his contribution.”

London Councils’ Group Leaders will be discussing the arrangements for the recruitment of a successor in the coming weeks.