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One of the country's top-rated councils has launched a search for a new chief executive Kent CC confirmed its charismatic but controversial chief, Peter Gilroy, would be stepping down next May, when his contract expired, after 19 years with the authority. The former head of the council's social services revealed he was going to pursue other interests. Speculation had been mounting over the summer that the man who has led one of the country's top-performing councils for six years was reviewing his options. He explained why he had decided to stand down. He said: ‘I wanted to see the authority through a range of inspections and the CPA Harder Test, to retain our excellent status, while also maintaining our reputation for innovation.' Mr Gilroy urged his successor to put the citizen first and issued a broadside against regulators. ‘I still have concerns that, as a country, our public services are over-regulated in the belief that we are making people safer, but in truth we are in danger of disempowering people,' he claimed. ‘We need to remember this and work to put all of us in a position where we, not the state, control our lives.' Council leader, Paul Carter, paid tribute. He said: ‘Kent and Kent CC owe an enormous indebtedness to Peter Gilroy. He pioneered the transformation of social care, not just in Kent but in the whole country – the agenda being personalisation and independence for elderly and vulnerable people. ‘Kent's reputation nationally has been further enhanced over the last five years due to Peter's energy, innovation and commitment as chief executive. I look forward to working with him over the next few months, which will see challenging times for us all against the backdrop of doing more with less money.'

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WHITEHALL

Gilroy quits after six years as Kent chief

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