Local Government Boundary Commission for England announces Ailsa Irvine as new Chief Executive

The Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE) has appointed Ailsa Irvine as its new Chief Executive from 1 January 2024.

She joins the organisation from the Electoral Commission, where she was a member of their executive team as Director of Electoral Administration and Guidance.

Over a 20-year period at the Electoral Commission, Ailsa held a number of roles, including leading on guidance for electoral administrators running electoral events.

She replaces previous LGBCE Chief Executive, Jolyon Jackson CBE, following his retirement in December 2023, having led the Commission since June 2014.

LGBCE Chair, Professor Colin Mellors, said:

“I would like to thank Jolyon for his contribution to the work of the Commission, not least his support for the team, and its resilience, during the pandemic.  

“Jolyon and Ailsa have worked closely together to ensure a smooth handover and I have no doubt that, under Ailsa’s leadership, we will build upon the Commission’s many achievements of recent years. 

LGBCE Chief Executive, Ailsa Irvine, commented:

“I’m excited to be joining the LGBCE and look forward to continuing the good work of the Commission, developing the strong foundations already in place.

“The Commission plays a vital role in local democracy and I want to continue to work closely with local authorities, developing electoral arrangements that will enable them to meet the needs of their local electors and communities.”

Note to Editors

For more information, please contact Hayley Meachin, LGBCE Communications and Engagement Manager on 0330 500 1250  hayley.meachin@lgbce.org.uk

About Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE)

We are an independent body accountable to Parliament.

We recommend fair electoral and boundary arrangements for local authorities in England.

We aim to:

• Make sure that, within an authority, each councillor represents a similar number of electors
• Create boundaries that are appropriate, and reflect community ties and identities
• Deliver reviews informed by local needs, views and circumstances