In defence of chief executives

摘要

With relations between local and central government at an all-time low, Lord Heseltine's recent call for local authorities to merge the role of chief executive and Leader into the super-role of a directly elected chief executive has re-ignited the debate as to whether authorities really need a designated chief executive. Would the desired 'savings' bring greater risks that in the end outweigh any perceived benefits? Having spoken to a wide array of mayors, leaders, chief executives and senior managers, it's clearly being discussed in Town Halls across the country, although it is not always being done openly.