LGA Chairman Merrick Cockell joins PA Consulting Group

Merrick Cockell, the head of the Local Government Association, will next month join consulting firm PA Consulting Group. Cockell will work on a part-time basis and support PA’s activities in the local public sector.

Cockell’s political and public service career spans almost 30 years. He was Chairman of London Councils 2006 - 10 and Chairman of the Conservative Councillors' Association for four years, as well as holding a seat on the Conservative Party Board and serving on the Audit Commission Board. He helped found and was a Governor of the Chelsea Academy until 2013 and is Deputy Chairman of the London Pensions Fund Authority.

In particular in the field of local government Cockell builds on an impressive track record. Since 1986 he has been a Councillor for Kensington and Chelsea Royal Borough Council, where he previously held the position of Education Chairman and Chief Whip before becoming Leader of the Council from 2000 until 2013. He in addition currently is the Chairman of the Local Government Association (LGA).

Following his decision to step down as LGA Chairman on 8 July 2014, Cockell will on a part-time basis work as an advisor for PA Consulting Group. “PA Consulting Group is at the forefront of breaking down barriers between the public and private sectors and encouraging new approaches to co-operation. Having been part of the ongoing transformation of local public services, I am looking forward to working with such an innovative organisation,” says Cockell.

David Rees, head of local government services at PA Consulting Group, adds: “I am delighted that Sir Merrick will be joining PA. He is a highly respected figure within central and local government and brings a wealth of experience and insight that will further strengthen our work with local public services. We are very much looking forward to Sir Merrick joining the team.”