Both Newham LBC and Cambridgeshire CC have been left to start their search for new chief executives all over again, after failing to reach agreement with candidates. Their problems highlight the difficulties of recruitment to the most senior management positions, with local authorities facing growing pressure on services with a need to reduce costs and increase efficiency savings. Chris Wood is to continue as acting chief executive at Newham after the council failed to reach agreement over the appointment of Roger Tucker, of African Arabian Petroleum Ltd, after several months of negotiations. The deputy chief executive and former director of housing, Mr Wood, was initially appointed in May, following the retirement of David Burbage after eight years as chief executive and a total of 27 years' service with the borough. A short statement issued by Newham's press office said: ‘In the summer, Newham council conducted a recruitment process for a new chief executive. Since that time the preferred candidate and the council have been in discussion on the role and terms. Unfortunately, it has not been possible to agree terms and conditions, and the preferred candidate has decided to withdraw from the process. The council is currently considering its options.' At Cambridgeshire, a cross-party committee unanimously agreed to offer the chief executive job after a two-and-a-half day selection process involving three candidates – only for the offer to be turned down. Sefton chief executive for 15 years, Graham Haywood, announced plans to retire at a closed session of the council called last Friday to discuss a major programme of management restructuring. Nottinghamshire CC has also announced that its chief executive for 17 years, Roger Latham, plans to retire in March.
