Sarah Longlands joined the Board of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on 29 September 2025. She is a leading voice in local economic development, currently serving as Chief Executive of CLES, where she champions community wealth building, local economic development, and place-based policy.

Previously Director of IPPR North, Longlands holds a PhD in Urban Studies and began her career in local government in County Durham and North Yorkshire. She is a vocal advocate for empowering local authorities and communities to shape their futures - particularly through inclusive economic models and spatial planning.