David Holdstock has been appointed as the new director of communications at the Local Government Association. He was previously head of corporate communications at Hillingdon Council.

Announcing the appointment, LGA Chairman Sir Merrick Cockell said: "David joins the LGA at an important time for councils, which are transforming the way they deliver vital services to local people while managing sizeable cuts to their budgets. His challenge is not just to improve the way the LGA communicates with its members and stakeholders, but also the way councils communicate with residents. As the outstanding candidate among a very strong shortlist I am confident he will rise to the challenge."

Prior to his six years at Hillingdon, Holdstock worked as head of corporate comms at Slough Borough Council for five years. Before that, he was a senior PR officer at the Met Police where he worked for 13 years.

Follow David Holdstock on twitter - @davidhold