Muneer vows to put LLG “front and centre” in local government legal and governance sphere

Aneeka Muneer has vowed to place LLG “front and centre in the local government legal and governance sphere”, after being appointed President of the organisation at its annual general meeting this week.

Muneer, who is Head of Litigation and Deputy Monitoring Officer at Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council, said: “I am absolutely delighted to be appointed the LLG President and lead on the work built on by many Presidents before me. I intend to continue to drive forward the amazing work achieved so far.”

She added that, following on from the work LLG has already started within Equalities, Diversity and Inclusion, she wanted “to drive home the message around the importance of representation and the concept of ‘I can see it - I can be it’. Not just in the leaders which represent us but also at entry level, implanting aspirational dreams into future generations.”

Muneer said: “I want to ensure that people from all backgrounds are encouraged into the profession - so that we may grow our own to become reflective, sustainable workplace.

“We already have a thriving work experience week, but I want to reach more students by utilising the regions to really connect with their legal community and locality via universities and colleges. I want all members but especially those of minority groups to take up Regional Lead roles - so that others may model their career paths and be inspired by them.  

“Diversity brings such enrichment, and I intend to champion this cause throughout my term - and beyond.”

Muneer added that a large area of focus for her as President would be building on LLG’s governance work.

“Integrity and accountability are integral to my own values,” she said. “I have a deep sense of doing what is right and of upholding ethics. We know that ethical standards are much in discussion and poor decision making frequently exposed.

"I want to help support the membership to uphold ethical standards and good governance in their authorities. Whilst LLG has many workstreams to support Monitoring Officers - it is important for all members to understand that governance isn’t just for leaders - it's for everyone. We all have a responsibility to maintain it. To think, to reflect, and to stand up when it counts.”

Outgoing President, Rachel McKoy, said: "I had high expectations for delivery in my year and I am so proud of what we managed to achieve."

She highlighted LLG's role in speaking in the local government press and the national press on topics of importance such as standards, remote meeting provision, violence against councillors and officers, statutory protections, elections, ethical governance, and the 'Golden Triangle' [the relationship between a local authority's chief executive officer, s151 officer and monitoring officer].

She also pointed to its work with stakeholders on research and analysis, and its relaunched regional programme.

McKoy will remain on the LLG Board in an advisory capacity as the Past President for another year. 

Other appointments made at the meeting were:

• Paul Turner as Vice-President, who will act as President in 2025/26
• Helen Bradley as Deputy Vice President, who will act as President in 2026/27
• Emma Duncan as the Eastern Regional Director
• John Purvis as the Northern Regional Director
• Kelly Byrne as the Welsh Regional Director
• Anita Bradley as the Southern Regional Director
• Fiona Anthony as the Training Director
• Jordan Hulse as the Junior Director
• Jessica Lishman as the Junior National Lead
• Sarah Harriott as the National Lead Director. 
• Helen Bradley as the MO & Governance National Lead Director. 
• Manisha Patel as the Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Director 

The following directors continue on the board for a further year:

• Patricia Narebor as the London Regional Director
• Nichola Vine as the Midlands Regional Director

Deborah Evans as remains a board director by virtue of her appointment as the organisation’s CEO. 

The LLG Board noted the retirement of the following directors “with immense thanks” for their contributions: Kieran McGaughey; Rochelle Tapping and Jennifer Phillips.