The top civil servant in Argyll and Bute is leaving, to take up a new post in Edinburgh.
COSLA today announced that Sally Loudon would replace Rory Mair as its chief executive .
Her departure after seven years in the chief executive’s role at Lochgilphead has already led to speculation about whether the council, facing £18m cutdover the next two years, will appoint a direct replacement.
Sally said: “Argyll and Bute is an amazing area and I am honoured to have had the opportunity to contribute to building the prosperous future it deserves.”
In a message to council employees, she added, “This council benefits from hard-working, skilled and dedicated employees and I know you will continue to achieve change where it is needed.
“There is a lot of work still to be done before I leave in May but I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for all we have been able to achieve together.”
Council leader Dick Walsh said: “Sally has been a real asset to Argyll and Bute.
“She has guided us through times of challenge and change, and has played a very significant part in opening up new opportunities for our organisation and, of course, the communities we serve. “
Argyll and Bute MSP Mike Russell added his congratulations – but said: “The potential effect of this unexpected change on Argyll and Bute is one that the council needs to consider carefully.
“I would urge the council leader not to drive forward a quick new appointment but instead to work across the council to seek radical new solutions to improve local democracy and save money.
“I would be happy to work with him to draw up appropriate proposals for different management structures and decentralisation which have been the subject of local discussion across Argyll and Bute for some considerable time and which will also help the council to meet the budgetary challenges with which it is presently struggling and about the effects of which there is huge public disquiet and concern.”
Thank god. As the head of an, at best, incompetent Council it scares my that she will now be leading COSLA but at least she will no longer be able to directly cause any more damage.
I wonder if COSLA’s championing of local accountability applies to her council’s ineptitude. Only in the public sector could the failing enterprise that is Argyll and Bute Council be headed by the same person for over seven years. Now if we can get rid of Dick Walsh we’ll have both the body and the head of the tick out.