Council chief suspended during ‘conduct’ inquiry
RHIANNON MCDOWALL AND BELINDA RYAN
THE council has suspended its chief executive following concerns over officer ‘conduct’.
Mike Suarez, who took over the role at Cheshire East Council four years ago, was suspended following a two-day meeting of the investigation and disciplinary committee.
A statement issued by Cheshire East Council said Mr Suarez was suspended ‘after concerns about officer conduct were considered’ at the two day meeting at Macclesfield Town Hall.
The suspension will remain in place while an independent investiga- tion is undertaken.
Councillor Howard Murray, chair of the investigation and disciplinary committee, said: “We would stress that suspension is a neutral act taken in the interests of both the council and chief executive. It is important that this investigation is undertaken objectively and therefore it would be inappropriate to make any further comment at this stage.”
Coun Nick Mannion, Cheshire East councillor for Macclesfield West and Ivy, said it’s the latest in a series of instances which will have a negative impact on the council.
He said: “This matter needs to be sorted soon as possible. This is the latest in a series of instances at the council which will have had a negative impact for staff councillors and resi- dents. We need to support the officers who are working hard to provide services to residents at this difficult time.
“There have been a succession of crises which have created a negative perception of the council.”
Mr Suarez was appointed as the council’s chief executive in May 2013. He joined from his role as finance direct at Lambeth Council after being chosen out of 22 applicants.
The selection process involved discussions with representatives of local partner organisations and businesses, as well as meetings to which all elected members of the council were invited, including meetings with the cabinet and a cross party member group.
Mr Suarez took over the role from interim boss Kim Ryley, who held the position for a year after Erika Wenzel stepped down in July 2012.