Liverpool City Council appoints interim CEO following shock resignation

Theresa Grant

Liverpool City Council has appointed an interim chief executive following the immediate resignation of chief executive, Tony Reeves, on July 18.

Theresa Grant is taking the reins. She has enjoyed a long, successful career in local government, spanning more than four decades, in both Ireland and the UK.

Twelve of these years were in chief executive roles.

She was chief executive at Trafford Borough Council and chief accountable officer for Trafford Clinical Commissioning Group, up until 2018.

Most recently, she was chief executive of Northamptonshire County Council while it was undergoing government intervention.

She radically transformed the organisation, making it financially sustainable, while delivering significant improvements.

She is currently relationship director at Municipal Partners, a social impact company which works with local authorities to deliver better outcomes for communities.

The working arrangements are still being finalised, but it is expected Theresa will start in Liverpool towards the end of September.

Recruitment for a permanent chief executive will begin shortly, to ensure a smooth hand over.

Mayor, Joanne Anderson, said: “I am delighted someone of Theresa’s calibre is joining us to drive the council forward on our improvement journey.

“Her experience will bring fresh energy, positivity and a relentless focus on the challenges that lie ahead, so we become the council, the city and our residents deserve.

“I would like to thank Anne Marie Lubanski for continuing to act as head of paid service until Theresa starts work.”

Following a damning Best Value Inspection into Liverpool City Council last year, led by government inspector Max Caller, Local Government Secretary Robert Jenrick appointed government commissioners to certain sections of the authority last June over concerns about their running by the Labour leadership.

Lead commissioner, Mike Cunningham, said today: “We are delighted that Theresa Grant will start in September as interim chief executive of Liverpool City Council.

“She is a highly experienced leader with a track record of delivering improvement at pace.

“We are confident that she, along with a strong senior leadership team, will drive the positive change needed at Liverpool City Council.”

Theresa Grant said: “I am delighted to be appointed interim chief executive at Liverpool City Council. It is a vibrant, diverse and hugely passionate city.

“I am very much looking forward to working with staff, councillors, commissioners and partners, using my skills and experience to make improvements and deliver quality, value for money services for residents.”

Tony Reeves spent four years as Liverpool City Council chief executive, having previously been chief executive of Bradford Council.

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