The phrase "authority leaders" refers to people who have a position of power and influence over others. They are in charge and responsible for making important decisions and giving guidance or instructions to others.
But he is the only Conservative local authority leader to run an authority paying the living wage. (politics.co.uk)
In the absence of any recognised central authority the leaders of the local churches were faced with greater responsibilities. (religion-online.org)
The 17 local authority leaders and 71 local party heads say that the spending reductions are too big and are being implemented too quickly. (thetimes.co.uk)