Parker prepares for Oldham farewell

OLDHAM Council’s chief executive Charlie Parker will leave for a new role in London on January 10.

Mr Parker is heading south to run Westminster City Council.

Deputy chief executive Carolyn Wilkins will become interim chief executive while the town searches for a replacement.

Mr Parker’s successor is expected to be recommended to full council in July.

In a statement Oldham said Manchester’s chief executive Sir Howard Bernstein will be giving advice and support during this period on regeneration and economic development.

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