New Local appoints Interim Chief Executive as Jessica Studdert departs for key Downing Street role 

New Local, has appointed Anna Randle as Interim Chief Executive, as Jessica Studdert is set to take up a new role as Special Adviser to the Prime Minister in the Number 10 Policy Unit, leading on local government and devolution.  

Jessica has been at New Local for ten years, including the last 18 months as Chief Executive. She will join the Downing Street team after a short handover period at New Local. 

Anna is the former Chief Executive of Collaborate CIC and has a wealth of expertise in leadership and supporting local authorities and partners to achieve place-based change, including experience within national and local government. She has worked closely with New Local in the past year and, as Interim Chief Executive, will oversee the continued impact of New Local’s programmes and network.  

New Local’s Board will shortly launch an open search for a new Chief Executive to lead the next stage of our journey. 

Katie Kelly, Chair of New Local, said: 

“We’re immensely proud of Jess’s contribution to shaping the future of local government and thank her for her leadership of New Local. Her work and passion for community power and place-based public service reform have had enormous impact. We wish her all the very best in her new role in government. With Anna as Interim Chief Executive, New Local continues at full strength – with a vibrant peer learning network programme and championing community-led ways of working.” 

Anna Randle, newly appointed Interim Chief Executive of New Local said: 

“I’m delighted to take the reins as Interim CEO at such an important time for local government and our members, building on the momentum created by Jess and the team. I started my career at New Local – then known as the New Local Government Network – and I’m pleased to return at a time when building the opportunity for community power and public service reform has never mattered more.” 

Jessica Studdert, outgoing Chief Executive of New Local said: 

“It has been an absolute privilege to have led New Local, an organisation that plays a unique role as a think tank working alongside its network of innovative local authorities. I am really proud of the progress we have made putting community power and place-based reform on the agenda. 

New Local has an exceptional team and with Anna Randle now joining as Interim Chief Executive, the organisation will continue to go from strength to strength.” 

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