London is facing a mass exodus of its council chief executives with nearly half of the boroughs set to be searching for a new chief.

A combination of the pandemic delaying departures, the demanding role and the London elections which are due in May are all believed to be contributing to the unprecedented churn in the capital.

Last week, Ealing LBC announced its chief executive would be stepping down at Christmas after six years in the role, while Haringey LBC chief executive Zina Etheridge said she had been appointed as chief executive of the north east London health and care partnership.

It follows the news earlier this month that Hillingdon LBC chief executive, Fran Beasley, announced she would retire at the end of the year after 13 years at the council, nine of them as chief executive.

Barking and Dagenham LBC chief executive Chris Naylor, Redbridge LBC chief Andy Donald and Southwark LBC's Eleanor Kelly had previously announced their departures, while Richmond and Wandsworth LBCs are currently on an interim arrangement following the departure of Paul Martin.

Harrow LBC chief executive Sean Harriss is on a fixed-term contract until September next year, and is not expected to renew his contract, while Brent LBC chief executive Carolyn Downs was expected to retire prior to the pandemic.

Up to six more borough chiefs are rumoured to be on the move, but yet to confirm their departures, while Hackney and Croydon LBCs have just recruited.

Faerfield managing partner Martin Tucker told The MJ: ‘It is hard to know for sure if this is just simply a timing issue or if there are other factors, specific to London, at play.

‘Wherever you are in the country, these are difficult jobs which some would say have become even more demanding in the last couple of years. 

‘The way local government has responded to the pandemic has been remarkable, but it must have taken its toll on people.'