Localis announces Darren Rodwell as new chair
Localis, the independent think tank of place, has announced the appointment of Darren Rodwell as the new chair of its board, replacing Sir Merrick Cockell who is standing down from the role after seventeen years’ dedicated service.
Darren Rodwell, the former leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, joined the board of Localis in August 2023.
Localis will next year mark its 25th anniversary, and this year it has focused on delivering original place-based research with recent major publications on local power networks and using the Local Government Pension Scheme to invest in affordable housing.
Next week, Localis will be active at the Local Government Association Conference 2025 in Liverpool, delivering a series of report launches, panel debates and events on policy areas including decentralised employment support, local public service reform, modern industrial strategy, brownfield regeneration and inclusive growth.
Localis chair, Darren Rodwell, said: “It’s a real honour to take on the role of chair at Localis, building on the fantastic work of Sir Merrick Cockell and the board have done over many years, in making it a leading voice for localism.
“As someone who’s spent my life championing place-based change and community-led growth, I know how vital it is to empower local leaders with the tools, insight, and confidence to shape their own futures.
“At a time when trust in politics is low but hope in places remains strong, Localis has a key role to play in bridging national ambition with local action. I’m looking forward to working with Jonathan, the board and our wider partners to continue Localis’s proud tradition of growing cross-party, independent, practical thinking and to help reimagine what good local leadership looks like across the country.”
Sir Merrick Cockell, outgoing chairman of the Localis board, said: “’Firstly, many congratulations to Darren Rodwell on succeeding me as Localis chair.
“I joined in the lead-up to the 2010 General Election with high expectations of Localis providing insight and experience to a new Government.
“As local and national government has evolved, so has Localis but we have always retained our independence and mission to promote localist ideas through high quality research, commentary and events.
“Over recent years we have set Localis on a sound footing and revitalised our board with wider representation from across politics and the country.
“It is the right time to hand over the chair to Darren and the excellent Board and committed team led by Jonathan Werran. I would like to thank them and their predecessors for all their support and wish Localis future success.”