Rochdale council could share chief exec’s role

ROCHDALE Council has said that it is investigating the possiblity of sharing a chief executive’s post with a neighbouring authority after its own chief executive, Roger Ellis, revealed yesterday that he had applied for voluntary early retirement.

Council Leader Cllr Colin Lambert confirmed yesterday that as part of a discussion that had been held between the council’s political group about the possibility of sharing chief executive and other senior management posts with other Greater Manchester authorities.

He said that all senior staff ahad been asked if they wished to consider early retirement and that Ellis had stepped forward as part of the process.

“This is really helpful and I applaud our chief executive for this offer,” said Cllr Lambert.

“Mr Ellis will leave with our good wishes and with our thanks for what will have been 12 years of excellent service he has given this authority.”

In a memo sent to staff ahead of yesterday’s announcement, Ellis said that the decision to seek early retirement had been his own.

“The leaders of all four political groups have been entirely supportive and helpful to me,” he said. “I look forward to continuing to work with them over the thirteen months up to my retirement.”

Meanwhile, Wirral Council has advertised a £130,000 post for its new chief executive’s role. The council’s former chief executive, Steve Maddox, announced his intention to retire late last year.