John Foster, one of the longest-serving chief executives in the country, has announced he is leaving Wakefield City Council. Mr Foster, 58, who was previously chief executive at Middlesbrough under its elected mayor, ‘Robocop' Ray Mallon, emphasised he was not retiring and ‘will be back on the jobs market by the end of the year'. He added: ‘I'm keen to take on another chief executive's role. I'm still energetic and want to make a contribution.' Mr Foster has been chief executive at Wakefield for the last five years. In addition to the chief executive posts at both Wakefield and Middlesbrough, he has also been the top officer at North Tyneside MBC. ‘I am very happy to have had the opportunity to improve services for citizens in Wakefield, and to see the council climb up performance ratings and achieve the national title of most-improved council, together with many other awards for outstanding achievements,' said Mr Foster. ‘I wish the council all the best for the future – in providing high-quality and responsive public services which meet people's needs and expectations.' Mr Foster is also an adviser to the LGA on urban policy, and was a member of the Government's urban sounding board and strategic partnering task force. ‘I appreciate the work which Mr Foster has done over the last five years,' said council leader, Cllr Peter Box. ‘He has a strong track record in local government and has taken us forward in improving public services and in modernising our business to meet the tough agenda set for councils by the Government.'
