In this episode of Meet the Leader, we travel to North Lincolnshire to sit down with Cllr Rob Waltham MBE, Leader of North Lincolnshire Council, for a wide-ranging and deeply personal conversation about leadership, public service and the realities of modern local government.
Rob reflects on his unconventional journey into politics, being “conned” into becoming a councillor in his twenties, and how early life experiences shaped his values and long-standing passion for children’s services. He shares candid insights into what it really means to lead a council: building trust with officers, navigating difficult decisions, carrying the weight of responsibility, and maintaining focus on people rather than systems.
The discussion explores Rob’s rise to council leader, the dynamics of internal party politics, the challenges and rewards of long-term leadership, and his experience standing as a mayoral candidate. Along the way, he speaks openly about moments of doubt, loyalty, resilience and the profound impact local government can have on individual lives.
This is an honest and thoughtful episode about service, values and why - despite its pressures - local government remains one of the most powerful ways to make a difference.
Hosted by Cratus Group's Executive Chairman Nick Kilby, the Meet the Leader podcast is a space to learn about the leaders in local government, highlighting the tremendous work they do for the communities they serve. You can listen to the previous episodes on Spotify here and wherever else you listen to your podcasts.
