Oldham Council deputy CEO to act up after Parker leaves

OLDHAM Council’s deputy chief executive Carolyn Wilkins will step up to become interim chief executive, with the support of Manchester Council chief Sir Howard Bernstein, when Charlie Parker leaves his role next year.

Mr Parker has been appointed to lead Westminster Council in London, one of the most challenging and coveted roles in local government. Although no fixed date for his departure has been set, due to his work on a number of important projects in Oldham, he is expected to leave in mid January.

The council said Carolyn Wilkins will act in an interim role until recruitment for a permanent successor is completed and the successful applicant starts work.

A stateme said: “During that period it has also been agreed that Sir Howard Bernstein, the chief executive of Manchester City Council, will work alongside Carolyn Wilkins and Darren Jones, the director of development and infrastructure, to provide specialist advisory support to the council’s wide-ranging regeneration and commercial activities.”

Jim McMahon, Oldham Council veader, said: “Although Charlie Parker’s departure isn’t imminent we felt it was important to quickly agree a process and interim arrangements to find the next chief executive of Oldham Council.”

“Carolyn has been here since 2009 so the qualities and experience she will bring to role mean that it would be very much ‘business as usual’ during this time.

“I know that she would have the complete confidence and support of both members and officers in taking on these responsibilities. The main focus during that period would be the task of preparing our next budget and continuing on our improvement journey, in which she has already played a major role.
 
“The move to bring in Sir Howard Bernstein speaks volumes about Oldham Council’s commitment to ensuring its regeneration agenda and deals with commercial partners stay on-track.”

Mrs Wilkins, 46, joined Oldham Council in 2009 from Rossendale District Council where she had been chief executive for two-and-a-half years.