Council senior interims to provide 'stability'

1 hour ago

Seb Noble,Cornwall political reporterand

Zhara Simpson,South West

News image — Cornwall Council leader Leigh Frost said interims provided stability for the organisation

BBC Leigh Frost smiling at the camera. He is wearing a blue suit, a white shirt and a blue tie. He has a red poppy on the right side of his blazer. He is stood in front of grass and trees, with a building to the right. — Cornwall Council leader Leigh Frost said interims provided stability for the organisation

Cornwall Council said interim staff covering its vacant chief executive and chief finance officer roles is offering stability, its leader says.

Council members met on Tuesday to approve the appointments to the senior positions, plus set up a timetable for hiring permanent replacements.

Leigh Frost said the interim staff were in place until the unitary authority appointed full-timers in the new year, and those brought in would provide "stability at the top of the organisation" in the meantime.

Former chief executive Kate Kennally stepped down after 10 years on 15 October. Three days later, Annabel Scholes resigned as chief operating and finance officer. Both left for personal reasons.

Andy Keeling has been officially appointed interim chief executive and Lisa Kitto approved as interim chief financial officer.

Frost said the council hoped to appoint a new chief executive on 19 January and chief finance officer on 23 February.

He said Kennally and Scholes' resignations were "no more than a bump" and he wished them all the best for the future.

"Cornwall Council is a massive organisation and is delivering thousands of services to people, it's not based on the progress of one or two people," Frost added.

Leader of Reform UK for Cornwall Paul Ashton said Tuesday's meeting was good because it was about "consolidation" and making statutory appointments.

Paul Ashton smiling at the camera. He is wearing a blue blazer, a white shirt and a pink tie. — Paul Ashton said stability was the "aim of the game" for the council

However, Ashton added the turnover of staff was "concerning".

He said: "It wouldn't be something you do by choice, but it has been concerning. It always is when people leave but we have to deal with it and move on.

"We've got to make sure we get the right people in the right roles delivering for the residents of Cornwall.

"Stability is the aim of the game right now."