The word ‘placemaker’ or ‘leader of place’ is trotted out so regularly in local government circles and conversation to the extent that it often loses its currency.  From his experience as leader of Barking and Dagenham Council in the decade from 2014 to 2024, Darren Rodwell proved himself to be among the genuine article, an apex leader of true leaders of local government in his generation.  This was evidenced in his native borough, where he delivered transformational change in housing, regeneration and local public service renewal, winning the LGiU councillor of the year award in 2019. However, Darren has also proved an influential place leader in his role as an advocate for the East London sub-region ‘Local London’, for the capital as deputy chair of London Councils and local government itself on the national stage on behalf of the Local Government Association.

However, Darren has also uniquely exerted himself as a genuine thought leader – providing evidenced place-based policy answers and generating creative practical solutions – drawn from his own experience and track record – applicable not just to Barking and Dagenham but across local government.  In this capacity he has been an invaluable contributor as a board member of Localis, the independent think tank of place, helping its research team keep ahead of the curve in formulating innovative place practice and policy.

Jonathan Werran, chief executive, Localis