Under fire South Ribble Council re-appoints chief executive

SOUTH Ribble Borough Council in Lancahsire has re-appointed Jean Hunter as its new interim chief executive as it bids to restore public confidence following claims lax licensing procedures allowed children to be sexually exploited by taxi drivers in the borough.

Hunter, who previously held the post for 10 years, is returning after a review of the council’s methods found there were “major failures in corporate governance” in the way its taxi licensing processes were handled.

The move completes a full change of leadership at the authority, following the election of new leader Cllr Peter Mullineaux.

The authority says the pair have committed to working together to bring stability and a strong vision for the future.

“I am delighted to be returning to Lancashire,” said Hunter, who was chief executive at South Ribble from 2000 to 2010, and has recently stepped down as chief executive for South Cambridgeshire District Council after six years.

“South Ribble has always held a very special place in my heart and I very much look forward to working with the Leader, councillors and staff to put this excellent council back at the top where it belongs.

“My priority is to get to the bottom of any instances when the council hasn’t lived up to the high standards that residents rightly expect, and put things right. I have been brought in as Interim Chief Executive to deliver, and I will deliver. I will restore the reputation of this council for providing first class services to its residents.”

Hunter, who is originally from Sunderland and a passionate Sunderland FC supporter, has held senior positions in local government for almost 30 years.

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