The leader of Durham County Council has been named as one of the most influential people in local government.
Cllr Simon Henig is included in the Local Government Chronicle’s LGC100 list, published today.
Cllr Henig, who has been leader of the county council since its formation as a unitary authority in April 2009, is also chair of the North East Combined Authority.
He is the only North East-based elected politician included in the list and one of only two combined authority chairs.
The list includes national and regional politicians, government ministers, civil servants and think tank representatives.
Cllr Henig said: “It is absolutely vital that nationally, the voice of County Durham and the entire North East is heard and that there is an understanding of the area’s needs and aspirations.
“I am pleased to be at the forefront of delivering lasting and tangible benefits to the county and region and I will continue to make that my priority for the future.”
The LGC100 is compiled by first gathering nominations from LGC readers. A panel of judges then selects the final 100.
Earlier this year, Durham County Council was named Council of the Year by the Local Government Chronicle.
