New priorities under Labour: What does this mean for leadership talent across the public sector?

The King’s Speech last week revealed a huge flurry of policy announcements; the most number of bills announced in a speech from the throne since 2005. Such a myriad of laws, however, is going to require skill, ingenuity and inspiration from current and future public leaders to steer organisations. But where are these leaders and skills going to come from?

With the Labour Party having won a convincing victory in the recent General Election, it is undoubtable that the UK is on the dawn of a new horizon, a topic I touched on in my recent article and I would like to congratulate the new government again on its astounding majority.

A notable mention, and an excellent example of a political leader having risen through a public body is Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer no less. Where we are proud to have placed Sir Keir into his previous role as Director of Public Prosecutions.  A key stepping stone to becoming an MP, leader of the Labour Party and now Prime Minister.

The government’s outlook of political and economic stability provides a framework for more high-calibre public leaders to rise up through their ranks and steer the UK through it’s journey of economic stability and growth. A subject we very much take to heart here at Odgers, in facilitating many public bodies in finding such talent. A genuinely purposeful and exciting prospect.

The King’s Speech triggered plans for a wave of new arms-length bodies including Great British Energy, a football regulator and Great British Railways to name a few. Such organisations are going to need people with the knowledge and most importantly, the skills to be able to lead a newly-created public body.

‘Porosity’ is a topic on which I have written in much depth recently,  advocating for the flowing of talent into and out of government from other sectors. With the private sector benefitting from public sector leadership skills also and not just the other way round.

Although there are good recent examples of ministerial appointments including James Timpson OBE as Prisons Minister, having been CEO of the Timpson Group for over 20 years, and Sir Patrick Vallance, previously placed by Odgers as Chief Scientific Officer, as Science Minister. Such examples of porosity demonstrate the need for diverse talent in the public sector, with leaders who develop their skills and expertise in business often making fine public servants.

The government is also allowing local leaders to pave the way on its mission for economic growth. It’s expansive local devolution plans mean that more power will be put in the hands of local government, suggesting that it will play a more prominent role under this parliament. The King’s Speech plans to facilitate the creation of more mayors and Combined Authorities in England, with more power over transport, skills and employment. These expanded powers and responsibilities are going to aid in the creation of a new generation of local and national leaders. A wider remit for local government is key to this.

A new set of priorities under Labour will require different skillsets and expertise. And after turbulent times, a focus on local devolution and the increasing importance of porosity means we should widen our field of vision when looking for public leaders. Local and private sector leaders must play a role in pioneering a new Britain under Labour and it is our job at Odgers to identify such talent.

If you would like to find out more about how Odgers identifies talent and our relationship with national and local government, please do get in touch.