Telford & Wrekin Council managing director to step down
The managing director of Telford & Wrekin Council is leaving his job.
The council will start the process to find a new chief officer to replace Richard Partington, and a replacement is expected to be found by the autumn.
Mr Partington was appointed to the post in 2011 and the council said his departure was a mutually agreed decision.
Council leader Shaun Davies said: “We are very grateful to Richard for all his hard work particularly in his time as managing director, during which the council has seen many achievements while successfully navigating the challenge of the toughest ever financial climate for councils.
“We wish him every success in future.”
Until a new appointment is made Jonathan Rowe, director of customer, neighbourhood and well-being services will be the council’s interim chief operating officer.
Councillor Andrew Eade, Conservative leader on Telford & Wrekin Council, said: "I've known Richard for very many years, from when he first joined the local authority and worked his way up through the ranks.
"It's always sad to see someone move on and I'm sure whatever challenges he faces he will rise to and continue to do well.
Unsettling
"It's very unsettling for an organisation to lose a chief executive, but to lose one as quickly as this is bound to have an effect on the running of Telford & Wrekin Council."
Councillor Bill Tomlinson, leader of the local Liberal Democrat party, said: "I'm really grateful for what he's done for the local community.
"He has helped to run the show from 2007. He's not been the man at the helm for all the time, but pretty much so.
"He'll be sadly missed and I wish him well in the future."
Telford & Wrekin Council selected Mr Partington for the role of its first managing director in 2011.
Before being officially given the role, he acted as the interim chief executive.
He started his career in local government as an administrative assistant at North Shropshire District Council.
He was project manager for the creation of Telford & Wrekin Council as a unitary authority between 1996 and 1998.
