Wellingborough Council to lose its chief executive as part of management shake-up

The role of chief executive, which has been held by John Campbell since 2012, could be scrapped as part of a management restructure at the authority.

The changes will be considered at a meeting of the full council tomorrow (Thursday).

A statement from council leader Martin Griffiths said: “At a meeting on February 23, members of Wellingborough Council will consider a report on moving to a new model of senior management.

“This will entail the removal of the role of chief executive.

“Our chief executive, John Campbell, has been with the council for five very challenging years and his guidance, knowledge and experience have been invaluable during this time.

“He has done everything he has been asked to do and more in his time in Wellingborough.

“John will now be moving on and I know that all councillors and staff will join me in wishing him the very best for the future and further success in his career.

“The decision to restructure our management team is not an easy one, especially considering the personal impact on a loyal and dedicated officer.

“However, local government has been put in a position where difficult decisions have to be made to ensure financial sustainability as well as to demonstrate best value for money.

“I hope and trust that the steps we are taking will be seen as positive and will help the council to continue to thrive in the face of the many challenges ahead.”

The matter will be discussed as part of the item marked ‘senior management structure’ on the agenda, although any members of the public or press will be unable to stay for this part of the meeting.

The agenda item is marked as exempt in accordance with section 100A of the Local Government Act, 1972, on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information of the description shown in Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act.

The meeting starts at 7pm tomorrow in the council chambers at Swanspool House in Wellingborough.