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The Local Government Association stepped in to bail out beleaguered Doncaster MBC, in a bid to rescue the council and limit reputation damage to the sector. The association has stepped in, despite Doncaster's recent threats to withdraw its membership. In the past, the LGA has been criticised for standing back and allowing councils to damage the reputation of local government, but this time it has acted in a bid to avoid central government intervention. Mrs Miller will see Doncaster through the elections, and the publication of the Audit Commission's corporate governance inspection (CGI) report. The report, currently in draft form, is expected to be one of the most scathing ever published Described by one local government insider as ‘brutal', it is expected to be highly critical of both officers and members. However, it is so damning, there are fears it could drive politicians to fight even more. Former acting chief executive, Tim Leader, left the council suddenly on 1 April by ‘mutual agreement' after only weeks in the post. Speaking after his departure, Mr Leader told The MJ he enjoyed his time at the council and it had been ‘a great opportunity'. His departure follows a £12,000 legal bill after the council's directly-elected English Democrat mayor, Peter Davies, challenged his appointment and called for a judicial review into the process. Mr Leader refused to comment on the council's claim that it spent £68,508 on his departure, but said it was a ‘modest settlement'. He also paid tribute to the mayor, claiming: ‘I like Mr Davies as an individual, he is unconventional, but he has great integrity.' Speaking to The MJ after her first day in post, Mrs Miller scotched rumours the role was a bid to get experience as a chief executive before the LGA chief job became available. ‘It is not a post I would apply for,' she said. ‘I've not been there long enough.' Instead, she said: ‘I passionately believe in sector-led improvement, and that's one of my key roles at the LGA.' As a result, she is keen to help bail out the beleaguered authority. She said she also had a ‘very important job to do back at the LGA' after the general election. Mr Davies said: ‘I welcome the appointment of Mrs Miller on an interim basis. I would like to thank the LGA for the help it has given to Doncaster. The council needs to move on from this now, and work together on the challenge of meeting any recommendations arising from the recent corporate governance inspection.' Doncaster will pay the LGA £3,365 a week for Mrs Miller's services.

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WHITEHALL

LGA sends its deputy chief to Doncaster

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