Search to recruit new authority boss continues

Chief executive Laura Shoaf stepped down in June, with a new recruitment drive to find her replacement starting in January

The search for a new West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) boss will continue after selectors failed to find a suitable candidate amid concerns the salary offer was too low.

A new chief executive to replace Laura Shoaf, who stepped down in June, had been expected to be announced at a WMCA Board meeting, but no candidate was recommended.

Concerns were raised in a report that the salary range of £180,000 to £215,000 was "too low to attract the calibre of candidates needed". A recommendation was made for it to be raised to an as-yet undisclosed amount.

A fresh recruitment drive will start in January, while deputy chief executive Ed Cox will temporarily remain at the helm.

At the meeting, West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker said: "Unfortunately, the employment committee that met was not able to recommend a candidate to the board.

"I'm very pleased that Ed Cox, who has done such a great job as interim, has kindly agreed to continue in the role of chief executive for the time being.

"There will be a fresh recruitment campaign in the new year."

Deputy chief executive Ed Cox, who had been carrying out the top job on an interim basis, will remain at the helm for the next few months

City of Wolverhampton Council leader Stephen Simkins said Mr Cox was supported by all leaders, adding that many local authorities were "going through transition and what we need is that stability".

"I personally offer as much support as Ed wants to and any member of staff in the combined authority," he said.

"Most, if not all the leaders, will agree that now is the time to move forward and build up a bigger and better and more resilient combined authority working collaboratively."

'Always champion our region'

Amid political changes being debated in Warwickshire, councillors also decided last week the county should become part of the WMCA

The combined authority is made up of a group of local authorities including Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley and Wolverhampton, which has devolved powers from the government to make decisions on issues like transport and housing.

Announcing her departure earlier this year, Ms Shoaf said she had lived and worked in the region for more than 20 years and and was "proud" she had been able to make a difference for our residents.

"I will always champion our wonderful region and while I am sad to be leaving the combined authority, I know I am leaving it with people who care passionately about the West Midlands and will continue to see it go from strength to strength," she said.

Mr Parker said Ms Shoaf had done "an exemplary job for this region".