New Leicester City mayor unveils plan to remove chief executive role

The newly elected mayor for Leicester has announced plans to remove the role of chief executive as part of a revamp of the authority’s senior management structure.

Sir Peter Soulsby said: “I made it very clear during my election campaign that, if elected, I planned to reduce the costs of senior management at the council. When we are facing a reduction in funding from central government of some £100m over the next three years, we need to look at every aspect of our costs, including those incurred in the senior management of this authority.”

Sir Peter said initial contact had been made with Leicester City Council’s current chief executive, Sheila Lock, to advise her of his proposal and to commence a formal process of consultation with her.

The chief executive’s feedback will be fully considered before any final decisions are made, he insisted, adding that the consultation process would remain confidential.

Soulsby said: “Whilst there is no legal requirement for us to have a chief executive, there is such a requirement for a head of paid service and a specific procedure we must follow to identify who that might be if we remove the role of chief executive. That procedure has now also begun.

“Once this process is complete and a final decision made, I then intend to develop proposals to review the rest of the senior management structure, with a view to contributing to our savings agenda.”

Sir Peter, who will lead Leicester for four years, has taken on all key decision-making responsibilities of the council’s Cabinet. However, he will not be able to set the council’s annual budget, which will still be taken by the full council. The mayor also cannot take decisions in relation to planning and licensing issues.

The Leicester mayor has already appointed six assistant mayors and a deputy mayor.

Philip Hoult

See also: GLA to review chief executive role

Doppel und Spitze – Nicholas Dobson on the Localism Bill and relationships between political leaders and chief executives.