Chief executive of Liverpool City Council Tony Reeves quits with immediate effect after four years in the job. Tony McDonough reports
Liverpool City Council chief executive Tony Reeves has quit his role with immediate effect.
He had been the authority’s most senior official during one of the most troubling periods in its history. The publication of the Max Caller report which identified a “fundamental failure of governance” saw Government commissioners take over three council departments.
Mr Reeves came under more pressure in recent weeks when a series of errors over the city council’s electricity contract emerged. It could lead to an extra £16m being added to the authority’s annual power bill. Mr Reeves’ deputy and finance director Mel Creighton has already stepped down.
The Welshman, who has had a long career in the public and private sectors, took over the chief executive role after the departure of Ged Fitzgerald. Speaking on Monday, Mr Reeves said: “I’m sad to be leaving Liverpool City Council.
“But I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported me over the past four years, in what has been exceptional times for the council and the city. It has been the privilege of a lifetime to have been Chief Executive of an organisation that does so much tremendous work for such a fantastic city and its amazing people.
“Huge challenges still remain, not least economically, but the foundations for growth are well placed from the Knowledge Quarter and our thriving life sciences sector, to our creative industries and booming TV and film offer.
“The people of Liverpool deserve a council that delivers great services. That is a difficult and complex journey but it has begun and those with the honour of leading the next chapter have a great opportunity to make some long-lasting improvements, and I wish them all the success in the world.”
Mayor of Liverpool, Joanne Anderson, added: “I want to thank Tony for his work over the past four years, in particular helping Liverpool City Council to navigate some difficult waters.
“I wish Tony well in the next stage of his career. Myself and the Cabinet look forward to working with new leadership on continuing our improvement journey and ensuring the council delivers for the people of Liverpool.”