New council boss given pay hike (From The Argus)

Row over chief executive's wages

8:20am Friday 30th January 2009 in Search By Andy Chiles

A NEW council boss was given an immediate pay rise last night following a row over his salary.

Members of Brighton and Hove City Council voted to appoint Alex Bailey as their acting chief executive in a meeting a Hove Town Hall.

Mr Bailey, who had been the council’s director of strategy and governance, replaces Alan McCarthy who took early retirement from the role last week.

He will be in place until a new permanent replacement is found.

The council was split during the vote over his appointment after Green party councillor Bill Randall called for Mr Bailey to remain on his current salary.

Coun Randall said: “At a time where other people are being made redundant in the city we should not be increasing his salary. It sends out all the wrong messages.”

He proposed a motion not to increase the wage which was backed by Green and Liberal Democrat councillors but outvoted by Conservative and Labour members.

Conservative council leader Mary Mears said: “I can understand the sentiment but he will be performing the role of the chief executive and I don’t think it would be appropriate not to reflect that.”

Each of the party leaders paid tribute to the work of Alan McCarthy as he stepped down.

His departure had been mired by allegations he had fallen out with senior members of the Conservative administration, which have been denied.

Mr McCarthy spoke publicly for the first time since his departure yesterday.

He said: “Thank you all for your very kind words. It has been a privilege and an honour to serve the council and the city. I will miss it. I’m sure there will be another opportunity to say more.”

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