The chief executive of Cheshire East Council, Rob Polkinghorne, has ‘decided to step down from my role after much reflection'.
His departure comes after a progress update by an independent assurance panel last year said the council was ‘slow to respond [in some areas] and at times appears overwhelmed by the challenge'.
The MJ understands there is a non-disclosure agreement between Polkinghorne and the council, but any severance package is less than £100,000.
Labour leader Nick Mannion this week dismissed opposition claims Cheshire East was a ‘floundering ship'.
He added: ‘People will speculate but it's not appropriate for me to publicly comment at this time.'
Polkinghorne, who started at Cheshire East in December 2023, previously agreed to step down as chief executive of Southend City Council just eight months into the job ‘following a change in the political leadership of the council'.
Writing on social media, Polkinghorne said: ‘Local government is a challenging but immensely rewarding sector, and I remain enormously proud of what has been achieved during my time with the council.
‘I have decided this is the right time to consider the next chapter. I am looking forward to spending more time with family, pursuing personal interests, and exploring what opportunities and challenges the future may bring.
‘I would like to thank everyone who has supported me throughout my career in local government.'
Polkinghorne declined to comment further.
A Cheshire East spokesperson said: 'Rob Polkinghorne and Cheshire East Council have mutually agreed that he will step down from his role as chief executive.'
