Liberal Democrat Councillor picked for Next Generation scheme

12.48.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 27th Sep 2006

Councillor Jane Hollis has been picked to take part in an innovative leadership training scheme

Northampton Borough and District Councillor Jane Hollis has been picked for a national high-flyers programme designed for politicians destined to be future council leaders and even members of parliament.

Cllr Hollis, who represents St Davids ward, has made it into the top 20 Liberal Democrat councillors in the country to qualify for a unique programme, called Next Generation, developed by the Leadership Centre for Local Government and the Local Government Association.

Erica Kemp, Next Generation Political Director for the Liberal Democrats, said: "In her application form, Cllr Hollis showed a commitment to the ideals of local government, and demonstrated a flair and potential for leadership. I think she has a genuine capacity to develop into a really good leader."

During the 18-month inaugural programme, Cllr Hollis will be given practical leadership skills, work with policy-makers and be given the opportunity to learn from model councils and long standing councillors.

Since being elected Cllr Hollis has been involved in opposing the demolition of school buildings by the county council and campaigning for a community centre for children.

Joe Simpson, in charge of Next Generation at the Leadership Centre, said: "Nothing like this has ever been done before. Our politicians are probably the only set of people who never really receive any kind of training or development in their jobs and yet local authority leaders control budgets on average of about £250 million.

"What they do affects the lives of all those who live in their borough - so making sure the residents of Northampton get the very best of leaders is paramount."

For more information about the scheme go to: www.localleadership.gov.uk/civicpride/