20.07.18
Northamptonshire new CEO approved by Full Council to lead area through ‘unprecedented time of change’
Northamptonshire County Council’s new chief executive has been endorsed at the authority’s Full Council meeting yesterday, with the authority’s leader saying the new CEO “knows what she’s letting herself in for.”
Theresa Grant, who stepped down as chief executive of Trafford Council in early July to “pursue new opportunities” will take the reins of the struggling council, starting her new role on 26 July.
Grant’s appointment was formally appointed by the authority on a fixed-term contract after being selected for the role following a recruitment process in which the government-appointed commissioners and the council were supported by the LGA.
The former Trafford council CEO said: “Northamptonshire is going through a period of significant change and I’m looking forward to working with both members and officers, as well as colleagues at the borough and district councils, as we navigate our path to unitary authority governance.”
Council leader Matt Golby told council members that Grant’s experience and expertise will benefit the county in wrangling tough budget cuts in an effort to balance the books.
The Northampton Chronicle added that Golby said: “The next few months will be very difficult but we can get the right sequences in place to start moving things on. Theresa went through a stringent interview process and she came out as the best candidate.
“She knows what she’s letting herself in for. The commissioners have spoken with her and I’m looking forward to working with her. We have to lead from the top down, and the appointment of someone substantive will help us do that.
“Theresa joins us at an unprecedented time of change for local government in Northamptonshire and I know that the experience, leadership and expertise she brings will be hugely beneficial to the county as we work hard to manage our ongoing financial challenge and embark on the proposed transition into new unitary authorities over the next two years.”
Cllr Golby noted that health is something the council “need to get to grips with,” and that Grant’s experience and portfolio in children’s services will provide valuable experience for other councillors.
In early July both the acting chief executive and the chief financial officer for the cash-strapped council resigned.
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