The Association of London Government, which represents all 32 London
boroughs and the City of London, has appointed Sue Rhodes as its first
head of press and public relations.
Rhodes joined the ALG this week after three years running her own
consultancy, Susan Rhodes Associates, where she handled a number of
local authority clients including Thurrock and Southwark councils.
Previously she was head of press at Lewisham Council for four years
between 1989 and 1993 during which she spearheaded the Council’s
successful bid for City Challenge money. She also handled publicity
around the eight-part BBC2 documentary series Town Hall which was filmed
in the borough.
The ALG was formed last April from the merger of the Labour-controlled
Association of London Authorities and the London Boroughs Association.
Prior to Rhodes’ appointment the ALG’s two press officers and one
administrative assistant reported direct to deputy secretary Madeleine
Williams.
Rhodes said the association had spent the first year ‘finding its feet’
and setting up a work programme. Now, she said, it was looking to give
its PR ‘a bit of a boost, a bit more impact’.
Much of her effort will be directed to the ALG’s campaign for a London-
wide strategic authority. This would take charge of areas such as
planning, whilst leaving the boroughs to run local services.
‘The next few years will be an exciting and important time for London,’
said Rhodes. ‘As the only London-wide organisation made up of elected
councillors who represent the people who live in London, the ALG must be
at the forefront of the debate on London issues and the way the capital
is governed in future’.
