council’s predicament

Early retirement of chief executive

Published:

THERE really was no other solution to the predicament in which Aberdeen City Council had placed itself than the departure of its chief executive, Douglas Paterson. Mr Paterson, who will now retire a year earlier than planned, is regarded widely by his colleagues as an honest, decent man who worked tirelessly for what he believed to be the best interests of Aberdeen. Ultimately, however, that was not good enough and, in time-honoured fashion, he had little alternative but to fall on his sword. The question now must be whether or not he is the only high-profile casualty.

The Accounts Commission inquiry being held currently into the running of the city could well result in severe criticism of the management at St Nicholas House, with serious implications for the political leadership, particularly council leader Kate Dean.

The structure which exists currently involves managers who each take responsibility for all council services in sections of the city. The intention was that it would give greater focus to the differing needs and priorities in the different areas of Aberdeen, but critics have pointed out that it leaves no single person in charge of vital departments such as education and social services.

One of the decisions the Accounts Commission will have to reach is what part, if any, this structure has played in the current chaotic state of affairs.

By committing herself to the retention of the status quo under whoever is appointed chief executive, Mrs Dean may well find herself at loggerheads with the commission and severely restricted when it comes to an appointment to the top job. It is inevitable that anyone of sufficient calibre to merit the position will want to surround himself or herself with a management team he or she can trust. If that is the case, Mrs Dean may well find her own position untenable.