Archive - Wednesday, 29 January 2003


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Anger over delay in appointing vital council post

THE appointment of the Cotswolds' leading public servant has been delayed - because the council chairman is going on holiday.

And the move has angered some council members, who believe the process should not revolve around the private life of one man.

Current Cotswold District Council chief executive Clive Abbott steps down from the £75,500-a-year post on July 31.

A panel of councillors, including chairman Timothy Royle, were due to pick a replacement on April 2 and 3.

But, at a special meeting of the full council on Tuesday, members were asked to re-schedule the process until April 9 and 10, to accommodate Cllr Royle's holiday.

The request was approved "in the best interests of the council" despite objections.

Former chairman Cllr Sue Herdman said: "When I was chairman I would not have expected the details to change to accommodate me.

"We are coming up to an election and we do not know who will be on the council."

Cllr Deryck Nash said: "I'm sorry there is difficulty between your (Cllr Royle's) private holiday plans and the date that has been set.

"You have to ask whether it is absolutely necessary when you have a deputy who is very capable.

"This (delaying proceedings) not only sets a precedent, it's changing the programme of events for the benefit of one person and is a further delay to the schedule we are working to."

Mr Abbott argued that the relationship between the chief executive and both the council leader and chairman was important as they had to work closely and attend civic functions together.

He said that Cllr Royle had made his holiday plans in advance.

He said: "I think the council would benefit from having the experience on the panel of the current leader and the current chairman."

Cllr Royle said: "The point is, the present chairman is the chairman whether it is Tim Royle or anyone else. I would ask the indulgence of the council. I am in the hands of the council."

He added that he would be unable to get a flight back from Beijing in time to make the original meeting.

The Cotswold chief executive post, which is already marginally above the average paid nationally and in Southern England, could rise to £81,320-a-year.

It will be advertised next month and shortlisting will take place in March.

The panel, consisting of councillors Royle, leader Leslie Jones, the three political group leaders at the time and Independent members Sue Stoner and Hazel Jones, will then make their decision, which will be considered by a special meeting of the full council on April 11.

The special meeting has also been put back from April 3.