NALC appoints Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle as president

At our Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 12 November 2026, Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle was appointed as our new president, following Baroness Scott of Needham Market's decision to stand down from the role.

Baroness Bennett, who previously served as a vice-president, will take up the position of president until our next AGM in 2027.

Baroness Scott of Needham Market, commenting on her time, said, "To all of you who do so much to make our communities work better, thank you. It's been an absolute privilege to serve and to represent the sector. I've tried to use the position to make the case for the sector in parliamentary debates and through the legislative process, and personal contacts, and we have made progress. As vice president, I will still continue always to advocate for the sector."

There were also appointments and reappointments of our vice-presidents and working vice-presidents. The appointments are: Baroness Scott of Needham Market, Baroness Scott of Bybrook OBE, the Earl of Lytton and Cllr Sue Baxter.

These appointments will help ensure continued leadership, representation and support for the parish and town council sector.

Both Baroness Bennett and Baroness Scott paid tribute to our outgoing chief executive Jonathan Owen, recognising his contribution to the organisation and the parish and town council sector during his time in post. They thanked him for his leadership, commitment and service to the sector and wished him well for the future.

Thank you for the confidence you've placed in me. I want to pay tribute to Baroness Scott of Needham Market, who, as president, has done a huge amount of work, made a huge contribution, and been an outstanding champion for local councils. I'm really pleased that she's agreed to stay on as vice president. This is a time of significant change for local government; parish and town councils are closest to communities and increasingly important. I can make a commitment to you that I will work as hard as I possibly can to be an active cross-party advocate for parish and town councils.

Baroness Bennett
NALC president