Shock as chief quits top post on the council; BOSS TO LEAVE POSITION BY END OF WEEK IN EARLY RETIREMENT MOVE.Byline: By PETER YOUNG Political EditorONE of the region's top council bosses is to quit in a shock move revealed today. Chief executive Ian Stratford will leave Newcastle City Council at the end of this week. In a brief statement today, the council said Mr Stratford is leaving by mutual consent. It's understood that Mr Stratford, 54, who has in the job more than six years will take early retirement. Mr Stratford was responsible for steering The process whereby builders, brokers, and rental property managers induce purchasers or lessees of real property to buy land or rent premises in neighborhoods composed of persons of the same race. the council through a difficult period of change in a bid to improve its performance. He is one of the North East's best paid council bosses, earning more than pounds 170,000 last year, including a performance related bonus. The financial terms of his departure are not known and are subject to a confidentiality agreement. The announcement took colleagues by surprise. One Civic Centre insider said: "It came out of the blue." Coun John Shipley John Shipley (born 1960?) is an English professional poker player from Solihull, West Midlands. Amongst his money finishes at the World Series of Poker (WSOP) are a 7th place finish in the 2002 $10,000 no limit hold'em main event, where he earned $125,000. , the council's Liberal Democrat Liberal Democrat Noun a member or supporter of the Liberal Democrats, a British centrist political party that advocates proportional representation Liberal Democrat n (BRIT) → leader, said: "I would like to thank Ian for his service to the city council since his appointment in 2002. "I believe the council has made significant progress over recent years and I recognise fully the part that Ian has played in leading the team and working in collaboration Working together on a project. See collaborative software. with politicians and partners." Mr Stratford said: "I've been very proud to serve the city for the last six years or so. "The council has achieved a great deal and the city has never looked better. "I look forward to a break and the chance to explore new opportunities. I would like to thank all staff for their support and commitment." The council said a further announcement will be made about interim management arrangements. However, it's understood deputy chief executive Barry Rowland will take over for the time being. Coun Nick Forbes, leader of the council's opposition Labour group, said: "Ian's hard work, particularly at a time of political change in the authority, has been much appreciated. I wish him well for the future." Mr Stratford, who is from South Shields South Shields, city (1991 pop. 86,488), South Tyneside, NE England, at the mouth of the Tyne River. It is a significant port. Shipbuilding and marine engineering are the main industries; chemicals and paints are manufactured. , took over as chief executive from Kevin Lavery in 2002. He was previously deputy chief executive with Thurrock Council in Essex. When he took the job he said: "It will be a privilege to serve the city and help achieve its continuing growth and success. I will be coming home to my dream job." He started his career as a housing officer with South Tyneside South Tyneside is a metropolitan borough in Tyne and Wear in North East England. It is bordered by four other boroughs - Newcastle upon Tyne and Gateshead to the west, Sunderland in the south, and North Tyneside to the north. Council in 1978. Mr Stratford is married with two children and lives in Newcastle. He was educated at South Shields Grammar School, Reading University, Salford University and Durham Technical College. The council will decide on plans for recruiting a permanent successor before the end of March next year. In a statement, the council said: "It is crucial the council, its managers and workforce have a period of stability to effectively manage the challenges of the next few months. Barry Rowland has considerable experience of leadership and can create the required stability." "I've been very proud to serve the city for the last six years or so. The council has achieved a great deal and the city has never looked better CAPTION(S): LEAVING: Chief Executive Ian Stratford |
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