A director remains out of the office on full pay almost three months on from being suspended, The MJ understands.
Worcestershire CC's director of economy and infrastructure John Hobbs, who has been in the role for almost two decades, was paid a salary of £147,997 in 2024-25, with total remuneration coming to £192,849.
The suspension comes as Worcestershire's new Reform leadership considers its options after the county council previously expressed a preference for a single unitary.
Worcestershire leader Jo Monk said: ‘We are continuing to carefully consider the views shared in the recent public survey, alongside third-party reports and the insights of the senior leadership team.'
A local source said: ‘One wonders about the timing of this suspension in a political vacuum with a new administration that has barely got its feet under the desk.
‘At a time when place should be at the forefront of local government reorganisation, this could hand the initiative to the districts that want two unitaries.'
A council spokesperson said: ‘To respect the privacy of employees, and to maintain integrity, the council does not comment on individual staffing matters.'
