Regeneration chief 'off work' after inquiry launch

Clarification 31 March 2026: Mr Shaw took up the role of director of regeneration in August 2024 and previously served as the council's assistant director of property and regeneration investment. The audit review did not investigate Mr Shaw directly, but did highlight issues that became apparent during his leadership, some of which predated his tenure. A report found he was responsible for the management of the project while director and was involved in and aware of contracts and overspends while assistant director. It found he confirmed in March 2024 that monies for the project were available as the cost of the project had reduced and he was keen to reduce the contingency on the market project to reduce any shortfall, but that funding for any contingency was not available in practice as the project was insufficiently funded from the outset. It also found money for the project was moved without going through the proper approval process and was only formally approved after an investigation into the scheme had begun. Mr Shaw left the position of director of regeneration in August 2025.

A council chief is "absent from work until further notice" as an urgent inquiry into a town centre regeneration scheme continues.

Director of regeneration Marcus Shaw is in charge of Wirral Council's major plans to revive parts of the borough like Birkenhead and to build thousands of homes.

News of Mr Shaw's absence was shared with councillors on the same day that council leader Paula Basnett said further investigation was required into Birkenhead's regeneration scheme.

Wirral Council and Marcus Shaw have been approached for comment.

Basnett announced the urgent investigation into the scheme last week, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

The scope of the inquiry has not been revealed, but deputy council leader Julie McManus previously suggested it would look into what was happening with council projects, why there were delays, and any further costs as a result.

In the latest update, Basnett said: "Following an initial review into the Birkenhead Town Centre project, it has been determined that this matter needs to be further investigated and, as a precautionary move, we have taken steps to make changes in this area while the review takes place."

She said the authority's regeneration programme continued to move forward on key projects.

She added: "When I became leader of Wirral Council I promised a fresh start, drawing a line under what had gone before and moving forward with pace and purpose."

She said she was clear she would take the necessary action to make sure the considerable sums of public money the authority had been entrusted with were spent properly.

Basnett announced a review of regeneration projects when elected leader, saying this would "establish where we need to focus to make sure we get a grip".

Currently, hoardings are up across Grange Road, Charing Cross, Conway Street, and Europa Boulevard in Birkenhead.

Neighbourhoods director Jason Gooding, who is acting chief executive while Paul Satoor is currently away from his role, said he "will share further information when I am able to".

Mr Gooding said he would be covering the role alongside legal director Jill Travers and finance director Matthew Bennett.

Mr Shaw joined the council as assistant director of asset management and investment in March 2023.

He became the interim director of regeneration following the sudden departure of Marc Cole in 2024 before being appointed on a permanent basis in March.

The regeneration director was the fifth to be appointed since long-term figure Alan Evans left the role in 2022.

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