The council leader was among the first people to visit Downing Street since the new Labour government took power.
Councillor Bella Sankey, leader of Brighton and Hove City Council, was invited to Number 10 to meet four key ministers.
She visited the country’s main seat of power on July 18 in her new role as deputy Labour group leader on the Local Government Association, following the State Opening of Parliament earlier this month.
The LGA represents the 317 local councils in England and Wales and Cllr Sankey’s role means she is tasked with representing the views of local government to the new national one.
She met housing, communities and local government ministers Jim McMahon and Baroness Taylor of Stevenage, Andrew Gwynne, health and social care minister; and cabinet office secretary Georgia Gould, whose key responsibility is public sector reform.
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Cllr Sankey said: "It was fantastic to attend Number 10 earlier this month on behalf of the LGA to meet not one but four new government ministers with responsibilities for our work.
"Most refreshing was the clear desire to reset the relationship between national and local government to one of genuine partnership and to think big and bold on improving public services."
On her appointment to the role on July 9, Cllr Sankey said: “I am honoured to be elected deputy leader of the Labour Group at the LGA. This role provides a fantastic opportunity to advocate for policies that will bring positive change not only to Brighton and Hove but to communities across the country.
“Together, we can build a fairer, more inclusive society."
Cllr Sankey went to Number 10 with other LGA leaders including Bev Craig, leader of Manchester City Council, who was named the new Labour leader to her deputy.
Councillor Sankey added: "I'm looking forward to regular meetings with ministers to help shape national policy and to put the interests of residents across Brighton and Hove and our wider region at the heart of government."
Other LGA leaders at the event included Peter Mason, Ealing Council leader and Pete Marland, Milton Keynes City Council leader.
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