Paul Hart has been appointed managing director of Doncaster MBC, after filling the post on an interim basis for 18 months. Mr Hart was appointed, having been strategic director of organisational development and culture after the well-publicised departure of former MD, Susan Law. Ms Law left with a £120,000 payoff after a public fallout with the council's mayor, Martin Winter. She claimed she was being victimised for whistle-blowing, but left ‘without any fault or liability on either side' (Click here to read the story). The appointment of Mr Hart has been backed by Mr Winter, who said he was ‘delighted' by the appointment, and was convinced Mr Hart was the right person to take the council forward. Mr Hart added: ‘I am delighted to have been appointed to the post and am excited about working with the mayor, members and staff to take the council forward. ‘There are many interesting challenges ahead, and I am looking forward to a positive future for the council and the borough.' His appointment is subject to confirmation at full council on 25 February. PLUS: Blackburn with Darwen Council has appointed a police chief superintendent to a newly-created position within the council, following a restructure of the senior management set-up to reflect ‘the new regeneration and neighbourhood agenda'. Head of eastern division for Lancashire Constabulary, Chief Supt David Mallaby, will take on the role of strategic director of neighbourhoods, housing and customer service for the council. ‘This is a massively exciting opportunity to work with the council's new department, which has brought together these three areas,' said Chief Supt Mallaby. ‘I will bring my experience in areas of customer service and neighbourhoods to the post.'
