Council chief exec to retire
SEFTON Council’s chief executive, Margaret Carney, has announced that she will retire in May after 10 years in the post.
Ms Carney, who has worked in local government for more than 40 years, told colleagues and partners that it has been the most difficult decision in her career but feels the time is right to hand over the baton to a new chief executive who can build on Sefton’s successes.
She said: “It has been an absolute privilege working with such hardworking, committed and passionate staff, councillors and partners over probably the most challenging period ever for local government and public services.
“I have loved working in Sefton despite the cuts.
“Not only is it where I work, it is also my home and I have seen first-hand how tirelessly and compassionately staff and councillors have worked to support our communities at a time of great uncertainty and worry.”
A council statement said that under her leadership, it has continued to provide hundreds of services to its communities and maintained a strong financial track record despite austerity.
She also spearheaded the development of a new vision for the future of the borough, working closely with partners, businesses, private sector organisations, the voluntary, community and faith sectors and the wider Sefton community.
Sefton Vision 2030 is intended to ensure the council focuses on what is important for the borough and its communities in the future.
Earlier this year, the council was praised for demonstrating real ambition for Sefton, for its strong track record of partnership working, place leadership and for having such a dedicated, passionate workforce by the Local Government Association’s peer review team.
This, Ms Carney said was a real high to end her career on.
She will leave under normal retirement rules on May 31 and the council has begun the search for a replacement.