By Bill Heaney
WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE’S controversial council boss, Joyce White, pictured right, who is on a salary, pension and perks package of around £150,00, has told councillors: “I am writing to let you know I will be moving on from my role as Chief Executive in the summer.”
The not unexpected news was announced by e mail just hours before Boris Johnston was due to appear at Prime Minister’s Question Time in the House of Commons amid calls for his resignation over Downing Street parties during the pandemic when restrictions making such these gatherings were illegal.
Ms White is expected to remain at the Council where she will take on the role of Returning Officer at the local government elections in May.
What is most likely to happen then is that the newly-elected councillors will appoint a new chief executive to replace Ms White, who will retire with a substantial commutation package.
Names in the frame for top job at Church Street are Malcolm Bennie and Victoria Rogers.
There is speculation already about who will replace Ms White. Two names being mentioned are current chief officials Malcolm Bennie and Victoria Rogers.
It would be interesting to understand the reasons behind.Mrs White’s apparently sudden decision to leave.
Clearly she may for personal reasons have decided to spend more time with her family. There is nothing wrong with that and hopefully she’ll be fortunate enough to have reasonable pension provisions.
What however is of public interest is the apparent sudden departure of the.council’s CEO. She is a chartered finance accountant by training and it may only be coincidental but over recent months many other senior officers have either left or have announced they are leaving,
Could this indicate that there is a bad news blackhole mismanagement iceberg lurking.
Council leader Jonathan McColl says that there is a shortfall in finances. But how big could that be. Instead of £8 million could it be £80 million. Could it be more.
Audit Scotland for the little they are worth have already previously expressed serious concern about this council. Could the floodgates now be ready to burst.
Could WDC be a council where government administrators may need to be put in place.
I don’t know but somebody does and no one’s speaking.