Power politics

THE LEADER of Stevenage Borough Council is among the top 50 most powerful people in local government.

The Local Government Chronicle, a national magazine, has ranked Sharon Taylor (Lab) as the 34th most influential person in local government.

Cllr Tayor said: "I'm absolutely thrilled but was very surprised. There are some people I consider to be great role models on the list.

"I hope it helps to put Stevenage on the map in the local government circles."

Cllr Taylor has been involved with local government for the past 11 years. As well as being leader of the council, she also sits on the East of England Regional Assembly's executive and is the rapporteur on European neighbourhood for the EU's Committee of the Regions. She is also deputy leader of the LGA's Labour group and is involved in the new towns special interest group.

Cllr Taylor said: "It requires good time management and organisation but I have a lot of people who help me including my daughter and a wonderful PA at SBC. Being a leader is not something you can do on your own - I have a wonderful team of councillors and council officers who help me."

Richard Marchant, the local government strategic partnerships director of Capita, sponsors of LGC 50, said: "The judges were determined to look at the actual contribution of the individual rather than their job title.

"The new LGC50 reflects considerable change from last year illustrating the very dynamic nature of local government."

Cllr Taylor's local government career so far...

1997 - Cllr Taylor was elected as a councillor representing the Symonds Green ward of the town

2001 - She took charge of the council's resources portfolio

2004 - She became deputy leader of SBC

2006 - She became leader of SBC

Top 10 LGC 50

1. John Healey

2. Boris Johnson

3. Sir Robert Kerslake

4. Hazel Blears

5. Irene Lucas

6. Sir Richard Leese

7. Merrick Cockell

8. Rob Whiteman

9. Margaret Eaton

10. Sir Simon Milton