First elected to Stoke-on-Trent City Council in 2010, between 2015 and 2023 Abi served as deputy leader and then leader, leading numerous landmark projects that have transformed the face of Stoke-on-Trent. Alongside a number of high-profile successes, bringing more than £100m of investment to the city, Abi’s high profile leadership shone a spotlight on how place-based policy-making led by local leaders could influence across government. Abi has given evidence to select committees, led No 10 cross governmental roundtables and has been credited with influencing national policymaking from asylum and housing to culture and devolution.
Having been active within the Local Government Association since 2017, Abi has chaired the Improvement and Innovation Board and parallel Improvement and Development Agency for Local Government (IDeA) since 2022. In 2023 she was elected deputy leader of the LGA Conservative Group and became a Deputy Chairman of the LGA. In May 2023 she was appointed to Homes England as a Non-Executive Director and is also a trustee of the thinktank Localis.
In May 2025 Abi was announced as the new Chair of the RJS Foundation and will help to shape the next chapter of its CSR work.
She is a well-known speaker at conferences on a range of subjects from local government assurance and sector-led improvement, to regeneration, children's services and transforming local government.
Abi was awarded an OBE in the 2023 King’s New Years Honours for services to local government.
Her leadership and stewardship in local governance led to improved local infrastructure, community services and long-term urban planning.
Stoke-on-Trent has faced economic challenges in recent decades. Abi has been instrumental in overseeing initiatives aimed at regeneration, attracting investment and fostering innovation in the North Staffordshire area. Her efforts have contributed to job creation, improving the economic landscape and enhancing the city's cultural and social vibrancy.
She has championed key social issues, from improving local education to advocating for better health services. Her support for public welfare with initiatives such as the Fostering Friendly City campaign and ability to navigate political challenges whilst influencing national policymaking, has had a positive impact on the lives of Stoke-on-Trent residents.
The Award of Honorary Doctor of the University (Hon DUniv) is bestowed upon Abi in recognition of her bold, inspirational and significant leadership of one of the UK’s major cities which has required vision, commitment and the ability to navigate complex issues such as economic development, housing and social services.
The award also recognises that as a woman leader in a traditionally male-dominated field, Abi serves as an inspiration to women pursuing careers in politics and public service. She exemplifies how women can achieve high-ranking leadership positions and enact meaningful change at both local and national levels.