HUMAN RESOURCES

East Devon chief executive urged to resign

East Devon DC’s boss has been called on to resign after a report into the council’s handling of serious allegations against a councillor was published.

East Devon DC's boss has been called on to resign after a report into the council's handling of serious allegations against a councillor was published.

An independent report said that it had found ‘no reliable evidence' that chief executive Mark Williams was aware of an investigation into the former councillor John Humphreys.

However, the council's opposition Labour group claimed Mr Williams had been ‘alerted to the situation'.

An email sent to Mr Williams by the Labour group said it 'no longer has confidence' in his ability to perform the role of chief executive and urged him to 'resign with immediate effect'.

Former councillor Mr Humphreys was convicted in 2021 of three counts of serious sexual assault and seven of indecent assault against two boys in the 1990s and 2000s.

He was jailed for 21 years.

Mr Williams has been contacted for comment.

HUMAN RESOURCES

On the track to growth

By Ann McGauran | 20 May 2025

Steve Rotheram speaks to Ann McGauran about Liverpool City Region’s growth prospects, tackling the challenge from Reform UK, and the need for the Spending Re...

HUMAN RESOURCES

Welfare: The playing field is anything but level

By Ian Greaves | 19 May 2025

The Welfare Reform Green Paper was driven by a wish to save money rather than to support disabled people into decent jobs, argues Ian Greaves.

HUMAN RESOURCES

Blueprint document sparks sector concern

By Lee Peart | 15 May 2025

A blueprint document detailing changes to Integrated Care Board (ICB) functions has sparked concerns across local government.

HUMAN RESOURCES

Why the Total Place bandwagon should roll again

By Michael Burton | 15 May 2025

John Denham was Labour’s communities secretary 15 years before Angela Rayner. He tells Michael Burton why he would not have embarked on wholescale local gove...

Popular articles by William Eichler