Outraged leaders of Herefordshire Council’s opposition parties have united in snubbing the appointment of a council deputy chief, destined to be second-in-command to boss Chris Bull.
Instigated by Lib Dem leader Councillor Terry James, the unprecedented move involves solidarity in opposition by Independent group leader, Councillor Bob Matthews and Labour counterpart, Councillor Chris Chappell.
All three, veteran and seasoned campaigners in the council’s corridors of power, have joined in their protest that only members of the Conservative administration will be part of the interviewing panel to appoint a deputy chief executive to reign over both the council and the county’s Primary Care Trust (PCT) – two bodies which will almost certainly amalgamate under top man Chris Bull.
“Officers will now be appointees of the Conservative Party and no other party on the council – a sad day for Herefordshire,” said Councillor James in a letter to Mr Bull.
“I and my group will take no part in any consultation process regarding this appointment as we all know this is only a PR exercise and little or no account is taken of members views, as has clearly been the case in the past. I have no desire to be patronised.”
Members had been assured that PCT appointments would be open and democratic, but now Herefordshire was “becoming dominated by unelected, unaccountable quangos, meeting in secret behind closed doors.”
In an equally strong letter, Labour leader Chris Chappell tells Mr Bull: “If the traditional consensual method of appointment is to be abandoned, then some members may choose to challenge such an appointment at full council.
“This would be most unfair and almost certainly undeserved as far as the successful candidate is concerned. But if you cannot persuade Councillor Phillips (Tory council leader) to reconsider, then you will have a deputy who will be regarded as a political appointment forever more.”
He also asks that his views, and those of the other political leaders, are drawn to the attention of those shortlisted for the post.
“It is arguable that someone who is going to prove an impartial, respected and effective deputy to yourself would not wish to be selected in this manner,” he adds.
“If this happened then Councillor Phillips and his friends will have provoked a state of affairs which, following the ICT scandal, the abortive handling of the schools review and other recent issues, will lead to public confidence in the governance of Herefordshire sinking to an even lower level than it is already.”
Leader of the largest opposition Independent group, Councillor Bob Matthews, told the Journal: “I am appalled at the arrogant attitude of the present administration, and particularly considering they have such a small majority (six).
“It has always been accepted that all group leaders will be involved in the appointment of senior posts with whom we have to work, and under this Tory ruling we will not be taking part in any of the initial meetings with potential candidates.
“I will be writing to the chief executive telling him that this approach by Councillor Roger Phillips is totally unacceptable”.
A council statement said: “Herefordshire Council and Herefordshire Primary Care Trust are well regarded for their progressive approach to partnership working and are recruiting a deputy chief executive for both organisations, as part of their joint management team.
“The council has confirmed that the recruitment process is in line with its constitution and follows the usual process for the appointment of directors.
“Representatives from the political groups are involved in meeting the candidates and their feedback will be taken into account when making the appointment.
“Chris Bull, chief executive for the council and the primary care trust, is aware of the matters raised by some group leaders and is happy to discuss how they can be resolved”.
The Journal Says – Page 4
