An MP is calling for an investigation into the “management culture” at Telford & Wrekin Council after its chief executive announced he is quitting from July.
Steve Wellings is leaving his £160,000 a year post after almost eight years with the council and nearly three in the top slot to “pursue other interests.” David Wright, Labour MP for Telford, said he was sad to see Mr Wellings go and called for an urgent investigation by the council’s scrutiny committee into what was happening in its management.
Mr Wright said: “I pay tribute to the work Steve Wellings has done for Telford over the years. He has been an excellent ambassador for the town and I am sad to see him go.
“I am extremely concerned that this is the second chief officer to leave the council in a matter of months and there seems to be a chaotic atmosphere at the heart of the council.
“I think that the scrutiny committee needs to carry out an investigation into the management culture at the council as quickly as possible.”
Mr Wellings joined the council in September 2001 as corporate director (resources) and became chief executive in November 2006.
There is to be an interim replacement as the council begin a recruitment process which could take a few months.
Mr Wellings said: “I shall be sad to leave Telford & Wrekin and I have been very privileged to work with some very talented and committed people, both within the council and in the many partner organisations with whom we work so closely.
“I have especially enjoyed the challenge of making a positive difference to the lives of local people.”
Leader of the Tory-run Andrew Eade said: “I am sure everyone connected with the council will join me in thanking Steve for his contribution to Telford & Wrekin over the last eight years and wish him well in the future.”
A council spokesman said: “Telford & Wrekin Council employs more than 6,000 people and staff turnover is a natural part of life in an organisation of this size. Anyone can ask for an area of the council’s policy or work that affects residents to be scrutinised and scrutiny suggestion forms are available on the Council’s website.”