One of London’s top chief executives announced her shock departure this week, despite boosting the CPA score of former ‘basket-case’ council, Hackney LBC.
Penny Thompson revealed she would step down later this month from her £165,000 post – at the age of just 52 – after raising the council to a CPA two-star rating and ‘improving well’ in the last league tables.
The move will be a huge blow to the council, which has battled against its reputation as a former basket-case authority since the Government intervened in 1999.
Former local government minister Nick Raynsford later praised the efforts of directly-elected mayor Jules Pipe, and former chief executive, Max Caller, who resigned in 2005.
Ms Thompson was head-hunted for the post from her position as social services director for Sheffield City Council.
The council played down the announcement, but some local government insiders have speculated Ms Thompson’s move is due to pressure of the job or a disagreement with the elected mayor. However, she remained tight-lipped over any potential problems.
She told The MJ: ‘I’ve been considering this for some time. I haven’t got any firm plans but there are a number of offers and opportunities that I’m considering. I feel very proud of what I have achieved during my time at Hackney. It has been a privilege to lead such talented and committed staff, and to work with such a high-calibre mayor and partners.’
Mayor Pipe paid tribute to her enthusiasm and commitment. ‘Penny has made a great contribution. She decided she wants some different challenges. And I’m happy because it fits with where we want to go from here,’ he said.
Tim Shields, currently corporate director of finance and resources, will take over as interim chief executive.
Newham LBC boss Dave Burbage also announced his departure after eight years at the helm, and 27 working at the authority.
‘I have decided it is the right time for me to retire. The Olympic Games in 2012 will bring Newham to the forefront of world attention.
‘I think it is important the borough has a chief executive who will take the council up to and beyond the games,’ he said.
The departures take the number of London boroughs looking for a chief executive to four, including Waltham Forest LBC and Hillingdon LBC (see page 3).
For further history on Hackney LBC, see www.localgov.co.uk.
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