The Local Government Association has announced changes to its senior management, with the following message from the Chair of the LGA, Cllr Margaret Eaton:
“As you know, since December 2008, the LGA’s Chief Executive, Paul Coen, has been on an agreed period of leave, following concerns that the political and managerial leadership of the LGA were not in the right alignment. Matters have now been resolved and Paul is announcing today that he will be leaving the LGA on 31 January.
The Group Leaders and I felt it was very important for the LGA to have continuity and stability during the next challenging period, and I am pleased to inform you that John Ransford, the current Deputy Chief Executive, has been appointed as Chief Executive through to December 2010. He will provide experienced leadership through to the next General Election and beyond. I am also pleased to confirm that Jo Miller, currently Deputy Chief Executive of Bradford MDC, will join the Association as Deputy Chief Executive from 1st September. Jo has a record of dynamic leadership, innovation and managing change, and the LGA Group Leaders and I are delighted to have been able to recruit her to this important role for the Association and for the sector.
I appreciate that over the past few weeks there has been some uncertainty and speculation in the press. These new arrangements will enable us to put this behind us as we support member councils through the challenges that we face in 2009.”