GLA to review necessity of chief executive role

The Greater London Authority has instigated a review into the necessity of the role of its chief executive.

In an email to staff last week, the incumbent, Leo Boland, said he had been considering how the GLA could go further in delivering best value for the tax payer.

“It seems to me organisational good sense to question whether an organisation of 600 people needs the senior managerial expertise of a chief executive officer alongside an executive mayor who is responsible for policy and decision making, and directly accountable to the public through the democratic process,” Boland wrote.

“In addition the Localism Bill has made clear the government’s intention to pass greater executive powers over public services to elected mayors.”

Boland said he had recommended the review to the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, who had agreed – in consultation with the Assembly’s Group Leaders – that it should go ahead.

The review is to start “shortly”, and will be conducted by a senior person from Transport for London, reported to be head of legal Howard Carter.

Boland, who was appointed to the role in January 2009, pointed out that whatever the outcome of the review, there would still need to be a statutory head of paid service. He insisted that he “very much enjoys the challenge of working at the heart of London government….but am determined to seek the best for the authority at this time”.