The search continues...

By Liam Murphy on Jan 10, 11 02:33 PM

RUMOURS that the search for a new chief executive has been abandoned at Wirral Council have been scotched by the authority's leader.

Word had reached Hamilton Squared that the headhunters had been called off and there was a distinct lack of action in the search for a permanent replacement for Steve Maddox who left last year.

Former deputy chief executive Jim Wilkie had been appointed interim chief exec for nine months and a number of other interim appointments made - the so-called >"fat cats".

But the word emanating from the rumour mill suggested little was being done towards making a permanent apppintment at the top, and time was passing.

Speaking from outside Cafe Nero at Euston Station, on his way to a reception at 10 Downing Street, council leader Jeff Green insisted the chief executive's job was not a "done deal".

Cllr Green said the process of seeking a permanent chief executive would start after the budget process was completed.

He said: "We will be advertising and looking for people who want to be chief executive.

"We have been sorting out the consultation and issues about finance and we're now gettong on with the budget. We want to get that all behind us and then we can focus on getting the chief executive position sorted out. The search has certainly not been called off.

"That is no reflection on Jim Wilkie, who will be a strong candidate. But we have to open ourselves up and see what is out there, but we will take out time and make sure we get the right person."