Three top officials leaving council

NEWCASTLE City Council has been hit by an exodus of senior staff, with three high-ranking civic centre officials heading for the exit door.

Just weeks after chief executive Pat Ritchie left her job, the local authority is set for a radical shakeup of its remaining top brass – half of whom are also now going.

Tom Warburton, who has filled in as interim chief executive since Ms Ritchie’s departure in October, has revealed that he will retire in the new year.

Mr Warburton’s previous role was as the council’s director of city futures, responsible for dealing with a wide range of issues including climate change, air quality, and economic development.

Also leaving is the authority’s top finance chief, Tony Kirkham, who is quitting to take up a similar job in his home city of Nottingham.

Judith Hay, who is in charge of children’s services and education in Newcastle, will also step down.

City council leader Nick Forbes thanked the trio for having made “significant contributions to the city council and the city over the last few years”. He added: “With Cabinet they have led the city with distinction through 10 years of austerity and the challenges that has thrown up.

“They leave the city in a strong position. I wish them all the very best in the next chapters of their lives.”

Pam Smith is due to take over the civic centre’s top job at the beginning of January, joining from Stockport Council in Greater Manchester.

Ms Ritchie left the council after more than eight years in charge.