Paul Woolley asks, "What should good leadership look like?"
It’s party conference season once again. Last week it was the turn of the red team, gathering in Liverpool – a city with deep political roots and symbolic significance.
Every autumn, the UK political parties convene for their annual conferences: large-scale gatherings of politicians, activists, and affiliated groups. These events aim to rally support, connect with members, raise funds, and capture the media spotlight. For opposition parties especially, conferences are vital – offering a rare moment of sustained public attention.
This article is from the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity section on Connecting with Culture. 
This year the issue dominating headlines is not only policy but leadership. Just a year after Labour’s landslide victory (in seats if not votes), Sir Keir Starmer’s personal ratings – and those of his government – have slumped to record lows. Other party leaders are facing difficulties of their own, while Nigel Farage and Reform are surging ahead.
In this context, speculation about Labour’s leadership has intensified. “Cometh the hour, cometh the man”: Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester and a former contender for the Labour leadership, has done little to quash rumours that he may yet challenge Starmer for the top job.
But what makes a good leader? And how could the approach of Jesus offer insight?
First, good leadership is rooted in service rather than self-interest (Mark 10:42–45). True leadership seeks the good of others. Many enter politics with a genuine desire to serve, but when leaders cling to power, dodge responsibility, or put personal ambition first, public trust evaporates.
Second, leaders should possess vision, purpose, and the means to act. Jesus didn’t simply announce that the kingdom of God was near (Mark 1:15) – he described what it looked like (Luke 13:18) and took concrete steps to bring it about. While political leaders cannot deliver the kingdom of God – and should not claim to – they can clearly articulate their vision of a just and flourishing society, along with the practical means to achieve it.
Third, leaders must see the world as it is. They should listen to the concerns of the people they serve, especially those in forgotten communities. Jesus spent the majority of his time with ordinary people – tax collectors, fishermen, labourers, and outcasts – not just the elites.
Finally, leaders need a team. Jesus gathered a diverse group, trained and supported them, and then entrusted them with responsibility. Good leaders equip others to lead.
The demands of leadership are immense, and often costly. Yet good leadership has the power to renew our common life, and we all have opportunities to lead, whoever we are and wherever God has placed us.
Paul Woolley is CEO of LICC
This article is from the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity section on Connecting with Culture.