Six English local authorities are facing a shake-up at the top, with senior departures and appointments. After 17 years of service with Calderdale MBC, Paul Sheehan is leaving as chief executive, to take up the same post with Walsall MBC in 2008. ‘It has been a privilege to be chief executive of a council with so many talented and committed staff, and to work for elected members who work so hard to support and improve their local communities,' he said. Following a successful Audit Commission progress report, David Taylor, customer and service delivery corporate director, is to leave Northampton BC after two years in the post. Council leader, Tony Woods, thanked Mr Taylor for his ‘hard work and energy' and help with the council's recovery. Redcar and Cleveland Council has announced the appointment of new chief executive, Amanda Skelton, following the retirement of Colin Moore. Ms Skelton joins from South Tyneside MBC, where she has helped the council move from a ‘fair' authority to ‘excellent', as executive director of neighbourhood services. Peter Ridgway, interim chief executive at South Lakeland DC since July, when Mike Jones retired, has been confirmed as the new holder of the post. Two other senior management posts have also been confirmed. Lawrence Conway moves from head of neighbourhood services to strategic director of customer services, and Sandra Walbran, the council's head of strategy and performance, remains as temporary corporate change manager. Following the appointment of chief executive, Trevor Holden, at Breckland DC in July, Tim Leader has been appointed as deputy chief executive. And David Clegg, a director at Gloucester City Council has retired after 27 years with the council.
