12.01.18
Lincolnshire council boss and ‘powerful county advocate’ steps down
Tony McArdle, chair of the Association of County Chief Executives (ACCE), is stepping down from his role as CEO of Lincolnshire County Council after more than 12 years.
The authority announced this week that McArdle would hand over his responsibilities after a council meeting in February, although it is not clear who will assume the position.
He said he was leaving the council in good shape, and would be continuing to work on projects until officially leaving his position.
“It’s been a terrific experience for me throughout the time that I have been here, but the time is right for a change and I want to make that change this year,” McArdle said.
“Lincolnshire is a great authority and I am proud of all that’s been achieved working with officers and councillors.”
In response to the announcement, Lincolnshire CC leader Martin Hill commented: “Tony joined the council in difficult times, and has been a key part of its transformation which has resulted in Lincolnshire being a high-performing, innovative council recognised at a national level.
“I know I speak for many people when I say we have enjoyed working with him and wish him every success for the future.”
The County Councils Network (CCN), which often works with the ACCE, thanked McArdle for more than a decade of work and hailed him as a “powerful advocate” for county issues.
Simon Edwards, CCN director, who sits on PSE’s Editorial Board and frequently writes for the magazine, said: “In his role as chair of ACCE and as chief executive of Lincolnshire, Tony has been a great supporter of CCN and a powerful advocate for counties.
“On a range of issues, not least their local campaign for a new fair funding deal, Lincolnshire has been at the forefront of innovation and advocacy for county councils; in no small part due to Tony’s leadership.
“The CCN team and I have very much enjoyed working with Tony over many years. We thank him for his support and wish him well in his future endeavours.”
Edwards last wrote for PSE late last year, where he described the importance of county council funding from central government – something McArdle has always had a hand in.
The CCN boss explained that, without a solid base at local level, the government would find it difficult to deal with national-level problems such as housing, local economies and extreme service demand.
Top image: Jon Clark
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