Two rising stars in local government are attributing their success to the Next Generation programme - the brainchild of the Leadership Centre for Local Government.

Cllr David Pugh, 27, from Isle of Wight Council, and Cllr Daniel Cox, of Norfolk County Council, were recently elected leaders of their respective authorities while on the programme.

Both were among the top 22 Conservative councillors in the country chosen for the first intake of Next Generation, the programme for high-flying councillors with the potential for becoming leaders which began in October 2006.

David was elected the leader this autumn, just two years after first joining the council.

He said: "I am now putting the skills and knowledge that I learnt from the course into practice as the new leader of the Isle of Wight Council - which presents new challenges every day, but ones which I relish and enjoy. I am grateful to the Leadership Centre for its key role in developing my leadership skills to be able to take on this new job.

"I found the Next Generation programme invaluable, in particular in understanding the wider local government environment in which the Isle of Wight Council sits. It was an opportunity to learn from the best practice of other authorities, find out how we compared to others and explore new ways of delivering services.

"The course also gave me an opportunity to gain a better understanding of my personal strengths and weaknesses, and how to manage these for the benefit of my development, my colleagues and the wider council," he said.

Daniel, 36, was first elected to Norfolk County Council in May 2005 and became leader in March.

He said: "The Next Generation programme gave me the opportunity to meet key local government leaders and gain a better understanding of successful political leadership. The course took me inside top performing councils, hearing first hand from councillors about how they deliver their vision for local government.

"Overall I found the programme extremely valuable and I would highly recommend it to anyone thinking of a leadership role in local government."

Joe Simpson, director of realtionships and partnerships at the Leadership Centre, said: "This programme is at the forefront of leadership development. It allows participants to develop practical leadership skills, work with the best policy makers around and have privileged access to senior party members. "

The Conservatives have 19 councillors enrolled in this year's programme which is aimed at equipping future political leaders with the skills and knowledge they will find useful in their public life.

Next Generation will focus on several challenges including creating social cohesion, providing environmental sustainability, enhancing wellbeing, partnerships, collaborative-working and greater localism.

The course is built on the conservative approach of sharing best practice but respecting difference.