Andrea Hill goes!

A spokesman for Suffolk County Council has confirmed that its Chief Executive, Andrea Hill, will be leaving her post with immediate effect. 

"There has been significant media attention attached to Mrs Hill which has become a distraction and both parties accept that with new political leadership of Suffolk County Council in place, it is better to allow the organisation to move forward with new managerial leadership."

The Dismissals and Appeals Committee of Suffolk County Council has today concluded its investigation into the 'whistleblowing' allegations made her, concluded that whilst there were undoubtedly expenses claims which, in the current climate, might not represent best use of public money, the Committee accepted that there was no dishonesty in the claims made. It was also satisfied that there was no evidence to support claims of bullying and harassment, or that she was responsible for the death of David White (former Head of Legal Services).

After negotiations between representatives of Mrs Hill and the County Council, compensation is to be paid to Mrs Hill of £218,592. This figure includes her contractual notice period.

The response from the Leader of the Opposition on Suffolk County Council, Kathy Pollard (Liberal Democrat), was swift, condemning the Conservative Group and, in particular, those Conservative councillors responsible for altering the salary scale without proper authority, allowing her to earn such a vast salary.

One presumes that Andrea Hill's replacement will be engaged on a more appropriate salary, given the need to make large savings in the overall budget, with the prospect of more to come over the next three years.