Chief executive to stand down from council

Paul Walker said he will leave the council in March

The chief executive of Herefordshire Council is to leave after four years at the helm of the local authority.

Paul Walker said it had been an "incredibly difficult" decision to leave but felt he was departing with the council in "a strong place, albeit with some big challenges ahead".

Thanking Mr Walker for his leadership, Council Leader Jonathan Lester said he had been "instrumental in overseeing improvements in children's services, recently recognised by Ofsted and the Children's Commissioner, and in strengthening financial management".

Mr Walker will leave in March next year.

In a statement Mr Walker said: "There is no great time to announce leaving as chief executive, but doing so in the week we were formally recognised by our peers as a 'good' council with 'strong leadership' and a firm financial base, shows I am leaving the council in a strong place, albeit with some big challenges ahead."

Earlier this week, the council warned it faced a £27.3m budget shortfall in the next financial year.

He joined the council in 2021 amid "a challenging time" for the council, Mr Lester said, with children's services being judged "inadequate" across the board, but significant changes and improvements have been made since.

"Under his tenure as chief executive, the council has gone from strength to strength, and on behalf of the entire cabinet, I wish him all the best for his next chapter," Lester added.

"In the meantime, I will continue to be working closely with Paul as we navigate a challenging six months."

Mr Walker said it had been "an honour" to serve as chief executive "working with outstanding and hard-working councillors and officers, and alongside our local partners in public services, local businesses and the voluntary sector".

He added it had been "a privilege" to have led an organisation that serves and supports the people of Herefordshire.