Brighton and Hove will not share chief executive job with Lewes (From The Argus)

Brighton and Hove will not share chief executive job with Lewes

12:09pm Wednesday 1st August 2012 in News By Tim Ridgway, Local government reporter

Brighton and Hove will not look to cut costs by sharing a chief executive with Lewes, council leader Jason Kitcat said yesterday.

Brighton and Hove City Council is about to advertise for a new chief executive to replace the outgoing John Barradell.

One idea that had been raised was the possibility of a shared chief executive between the local authority and neighbouring Lewes District Council. This would have seen Jenny Rowlands, the city council’s former environment director and now chief executive at Lewes, become the head of both authorities.

However city council leader Jason Kitcat told The Argus: “The feedback I am getting from other councillors is that, while they are keen to do more shared services, Brighton and Hove is a unique place that deserves its own chief executive.

“That is the council’s political leader saying that. That means it will not be actively explored but obviously it’s open to any candidate that’s willing to apply.”

The Argus understands an email suggesting the idea was sent by James Page, the leader of Lewes, to Kitcat last month.

However, when asked Mr Kitcat said he could not recall if he had seen it.

Conservative councillor Geoffrey Theobald , leader of the opposition, said: “The interview panel I would hope and expect will aim to appoint the best person for the position.”

Mr Barradell will step down from the post on September 9 to take up a similar role at the City of London Corporation. Catherine Vaughan, the council’s current finance director, will become interim head until a permanent replacement is appointed.