New West Midlands 'super council' director was former MP and oversaw Government austerity
A new director of the West Midlands super-council is a former Lib Dem MP who later oversaw huge Government spending cuts.
Julia Goldsworthy was a one-term Cornish MP who then became a special adviser in the Treasury when austerity was introduced by the Coalition Government.
But the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), which is overseen by mayor Andy Street and which includes Telford and Shropshire as non-constituent members, made no mention of her time as an MP when they announced her appointment as director of strategy.
Ms Goldworthy served as MP for Falmouth and Camborne between 2005 and 2010, losing her seat after boundary changes.
She then became special adviser to Lib Dem Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander – George Osborne’s right-hand man during the Coalition Government.
The combined authority press statement focused on her time with accounting firm PwC – formerly PricewaterhouseCoopers – where she has been leading its devolution team in England.
The job is believed to come with a six-figure salary and the new public body is also recruiting for a director of housing and regeneration, and a director of skills and productivity. Salaries in the region of £125,000 have been advertised.
This month Deborah Cadman will take charge as the combined authority’s chief executive.
She will be paid £187,500 a year – £7,500 more than the advertised salary.
When asked why the combined authority had omitted details of Ms Goldworthy’s time as an MP from its material, a spokesman said: “It was felt that the biographical information given was most relevant to reflect the experience to her getting the job with the WMCA.”
On her appointment, Ms Goldworthy said: “Devolution on the ambitious scale we are seeking will have far-reaching implications for the region’s public sector, businesses and individuals.
“There are exciting opportunities ahead for the West Midlands, and I am delighted to have the opportunity to play a part in ensuring we make the most of them.”
The combined authority is chaired by mayor Andy Street and will oversee transport, housing, skills, transport, and mental health with new powers and funding from the Government.
