Merrick Cockell

Biographical Information
"Councillor Sir Merrick Cockell was appointed as the Chairman of the LGA in June 2011. He has been Leader of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea since April 2000 and a Councillor since 1986. Sir Merrick was appointed an Audit Commissioner from July 2009 until June 2011, sitting on the Board of the Audit Commission, and in October 2010 he was appointed to the Board of the London Pension Fund Authority. He is currently Chairman of the think-tank Localis, and was Chairman of the Conservative Councilors Association and on the Conservative Party Board from February 2008 until February 2011. Sir Merrick was Chairman of London Councils from 2006 until 2010 leading London's local government, campaigning for fair funding for public services in London and making the case for more devolution from central to local government.

Other appointments include chairman of the Kensington and Chelsea Partnership, board member of the Central London Partnership, trustee of 2020 Public Services Trust, fellow of the British American Project and president of the Chelsea Theatre. Sir Merrick is married with two daughters. He ran an international trading company for 23 years and now devotes his full time to public service. He was knighted in 2010 for services to local government."

Affiliations

 * Chair, Local Government Association