City council chief to step down for new role

The chief executive of Derby City Council has announced he will be stepping down to take up a new role.

Paul Simpson joined the council in 1991 as a trainee accounting technician and returned in 2019 as strategic director of corporate resources and deputy chief executive.

Simpson, who was appointed chief executive in 2020 after the retirement of Carole Mills, will be leaving for a new role at East Riding of Yorkshire Council.

Simpson said it had been a "huge privilege to serve my home city", and he was "immensely proud" of what the authority had achieved together.

He added: "When I was appointed as chief executive in 2020, just three days before the first national lockdown, none of us could have predicted the challenges ahead.

"Leading the organisation through an unprecedented national crisis was a testament to the dedication and resilience of my colleagues, who worked tirelessly to protect the most vulnerable.

"We've done some fantastic work over the past few years, and I'm happy to be leaving Derby in a better place - having set balanced budgets and replenished our reserves to put us on a financially resilient footing."

Simpson said some of the recent highlights in his career include outstanding ratings for the council's children's social care and youth justice services, which was a "testament to the hard work of our colleagues".

He said the authority had also facilitated major investments from SmartParc, Vaillant and Getinge in the city, and secured Derby as the permanent home of Great British Railways.

Simpson said he would be leaving the role in the coming weeks, adding it was "not an easy decision".

"I was born and bred in Derby, and while it is difficult to say goodbye to the place where I started my career, I feel this is the right moment for me to hand over the reins," he said.

"By stepping down at this stage, I want to give the council the space it needs to build a new leadership structure and ensure everything stays on track as we move through local government reorganisation.

"I leave behind a talented and dedicated team, and I have no doubt that Derby will continue to thrive and deliver on its ambitious plans for the future."

Leader of Derby City Council, Nadine Peatfield, said the authority was grateful for Simpson's contribution and commitment over the past six years.

"Taking on the role just before the global pandemic presented significant challenges," she said.

"Paul led the council through this time, alongside members and partners, working hard to navigate those pressures.

"Together, we have seen Derby City Council return to financial stability and improved service performance, reflecting the collective efforts of officers and elected members.

"Derby is now in a stronger position - more resilient and forward-looking, firmly on the map in key sectors such as industry and rail."

The council said it would be appointing an interim chief executive in the coming weeks.

Listen to BBC Radio Derby on Sounds and follow BBC Derby on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.