Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson to be new LGA president

One of Britain’s greatest Paralympic athletes, Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson is to be new president of the Local Government Association (LGA).

She is currently an LGA vice-president, will succeed outgoing president Lord Kerslake and will be formally elected at the LGA’s General Assembly in July.

Baroness Grey-Thompson won a remarkable 11 gold, four silver and a bronze medal over 16 years and five Paralympic Games.

In 2005 she became ‘Dame’ Tanni Grey-Thompson for her services to sport and in 2010, she was created a life peer and was conferred as Baroness Grey-Thompson, of Eaglescliffe in the County of Durham.

As a crossbench peer she uses her experience and knowledge during debates in the House of Lords and has spoken on a range of issues including disability rights, welfare reform, and sport.

‘I am honoured and thrilled to be appointed as the new President of the LGA,’ she said.

‘I look forward to continuing Lord Kerslake’s relentless work to promote and support the important and extensive work of local government within Parliament.’

Cllr James Jamieson, chairman of the LGA, said: ‘Lord Kerslake has worked tirelessly as our president and has been a vital advocate for the role of local government. We thank him wholeheartedly for his dedication to the role.

‘We are delighted that Tanni has agreed to become our new president. She will be a fantastic advocate for us to ensure local government continues to have a strong, credible and influential voice within parliament so that councils across the country can deliver local solutions to national problems.’

Photo Credit – Supplied by LGA