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A fourth council in a month has started the hunt for a new chief executive after a sudden resignation. Thurrock Council confirmed the surprise announcement that Angie Ridgwell, its chief executive for the past two years, was moving on. In an agreed statement, the head of the two-star authority said she had ‘achieved as much as I can', and that she intended to explore ‘other prospects in the wider public sector'. Ms Ridgwell added that the council was now in a strong position to tackle future challenges as it tackled a significant regeneration and growth agenda. She said: ‘It is a mark of the council's success that it has received increasing recognition from external inspections, particularly in the very open way it has responded to challenges and led on so many key issues, such as the diversity and equalities agenda.' However, the council's Labour group leader, John Kent, claimed there was more to Ms Ridgwell's departure than the statement suggested. He said: ‘Rumours have been circulating that the chief executive was about to move on after a major falling out with the council leader. We now know these rumours were true.' But council leader, Cllr Terry Hipsey, said: ‘Ms Ridgwell has worked with great dedication, commitment and integrity during her time with Thurrock. She has shown leadership and played a key role in our local community. ‘I have seen at first hand how hard she has worked, not only in the council's interest but also in promoting partnerships within Thurrock, south Essex and the region.' The announcement follows departures by chief executives from Tameside MBC, Newcastle City Council and Denbighshire CC.

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BUSINESS

Shock as fourth chief decides ' to move on'

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