Leader of Basildon Council

Leader of Basildon Council, Councillor Gavin Callaghan

First elected to represent Pitsea North West in May 2012 aged 23, Gavin became the Leader of the Labour Group in 2015 before being elected as the youngest Leader of a Council in the UK in May 2017. He led the Council until 2018 before returning as Leader from May 2019 to May 2021.

He was elected to serve St Martin's ward in May 2024 and returned as Leader of the Council at the AGM on May 23^rd.

Gavin has responsibility for Finance, Corporate Resources and Regeneration on the Council.

Outside of his role on the Council, Gavin has over a decade of experience working in frontline politics, having been a political adviser to multiple Members of Parliament and led the Policy and Communication functions for two disability national charities. Additionally, Gavin works on a number of international projects around the protection of women, girls and children who are vulnerable to human trafficking and slavery in North Africa, as well as on counter-corruption projects in Eastern Europe and the Gulf.

He lives in Basildon with his wife, daughter and Airedale Terrier, Ollie.

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Leader's blog:

The blog of Cllr Gavin Callaghan, Leader of Basildon Council.