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Steve Leach identifies the key challenges facing chief executives in British local government in operating in an environment where party politics is a dominant force. It discusses the basis on which chief executives apply for posts and manage the interview process, and the importance of the ´honeymoon period´ - the first 6-9 months.

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Introduction: Understanding the Challenges Facing Chief Executives Taking the Job and Getting Started The Chief Executive as ´Head of Paid Service´ Managing the Relationship with the Leader Dealing with Political Change The Chief Executive as a Political Animal The Essence of a Good Relationship Testing the Relationship Moving On: by Choice or Otherwise The Impact of Inspection and the Performance Culture The Impact of the Move to Executive Government Where Next for Chief Executives

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´...pay attention to this book...appeals to a wider audience and is not only an important input for current knowledge on the theme, but also a relevant contribution to the ongoing debate of local governance reform and the devolution agenda.´ - Political Studies Review

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STEVE LEACH is Emeritus Professor of Local Government at De Montfort University, UK. He has a long record of research and consultancy in the politics, management and reorganisation of local government in Britain. Recent publications include Botched Business, The Damaging Process of Local Government Reorganisation 2006-08 (with Michael Chisholm) and The Changing Role of Local Politics in Britain.

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