Lancashire County Council loses chief executive to Hertfordshire

She has worked at Lancashire County Council since 2018 and steered the authority through the COVID-19 pandemic and has worked with Cabinet and Senior Leaders on Lancashire’s devolution deal with central government.

She said of her time in the £231,000 a year role: “I have loved my time at Lancashire County Council and like to count myself as an honorary Lancastrian.

“During my six years at the authority I have worked with many talented people who have the interests of Lancashire’s residents and businesses firmly at heart.

“As the lead officer of a large organisation, I am very proud of everything we have achieved as a council during the past six years and the progress we have made.

“Together with our partners we have worked hard to cushion the effects of covid – which hit our county hard – strengthen our economy and build resilient services.

“Whoever replaces me will have the pleasure of working with some of the most committed and passionate people I have ever met.”

The council will now begin the work to recruit a new chief executive and ensure a smooth transition before she leaves for Hertfordshire in September.

Conservative county council leader Cllr Phillippa Williamson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that Angie Ridgwell had been a “dedicated servant” to the authority.

Next year the Conservative-controlled county faces all-out elections and the Labour opposition leader Cllr Matthew Tomlinson said all parties should be included in the process to find her replacement.

“The appointment of a new chief executive is always a hugely important decision, but with all-out elections due next year, this news takes on even greater significance. I look forward to the opportunity to be a part of the selection process,” he said.