04.07.18
Two council CEOs step down after Labour election takeover
Two women senior leaders at Trafford Council have this week decided to step down from their roles after the Labour Party took control of the local authority in this year’s elections.
Its chief executive Theresa Grant and corporate director Joanne Hyde have both resigned from their posts, citing the council’s change of leadership as the reason behind their decision.
Labour secured additional seats during May’s local elections, meaning that the Conservatives were edged out as the leading party. The new leader of the council, Cllr Andrew Western, took the helm at the authority a few weeks ago.
In a statement, Grant – who has worked at the council for the last nine years – said she was “enormously proud” of the work achieved so far.
“Following the recent elections and the establishment of Trafford’s new administration and leader, it is now time for me to move on to new opportunities and I wish all of my friends and colleagues in Greater Manchester, at Trafford Council, Trafford CCG and all of our residents and stakeholders, the very best for the future and thank you all for your help and support over the last nine years,” she added.
Jill Colbert, currently corporate director, will take over the role as interim CEO in the meantime, but a new boss will have to be recruited soon.
In a statement, Western acknowledged the “hard work and achievements” of Grant during her time at Trafford, explaining that she has played a significant role in shaping the agenda to support the regeneration and growth of the region.
As well as Grant, corporate director for transformation Joanne Hyde also chose to step down after eight years in the council. A statement on her behalf also clarified that her decision was based on the recent elections.
Trafford Council was not the only affected by a changeover in party control after this year’s elections. On Friday last week, the chief executive of Kingston upon Thames, Charlie Adan, announced she too would “sadly” be leaving her post after two years in the job.
On her departure, council leader Liz Green said: “I recognise that the former administration thought highly of her work and that she had exemplary appraisals from them. The new administration will be taking the council in a new direction and this will require a change to the way the organisation is led and managed. I am grateful to Charlie for agreeing to leave at this time.”
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