WEAVER Vale MP Mike Amesbury has been named a vice president of the Local Government Association (LGA).

He has pledged to be a strong voice for the local government both inside and outside the House of Commons.

Mr Amesbury said: “Whilst the role is an honorary one, the LGA offers it to MPs from all parties who can support the local government cause and be a voice for this vital sector in legislation.

“Both as a councillor and as an MP, I’ve always valued the role the LGA play – and particularly as a Labour MP, the support offered by the LGA Labour group team.

“I’m pleased to have been invited to take up this role along with a number of MPs and parliamentarians with local government experience and I look forward to speaking up for councils and councillors.”

The LGA is an influential cross-party organisation that works on behalf of councils to ensure local government has a strong, credible voice with national government.

In total, 415 authorities are members of the LGA.