‘Serious concerns’ over chief given leave on full pay

Peter Simpson has been put on full-paid leave after official complaints were lodged by employees at Hambleton District Council.

Mr Simpson has worked at the Hambleton authority for the last 15 years. He became the joint chief executive for Hambleton and Richmondshire district councils in 2008.

Hambleton District Council’s leader Neville Huxtable confirmed concerns had been mounting for the last four months. But he declined to reveal the exact nature of the complaints, stating only the concerns related to “serious management issues”.

The Yorkshire Post revealed yesterday that Mr Simpson had been placed on gardening leave with immediate effect on Friday. It is understood there had been a breakdown in relations between Mr Simpson and senior officials of Hambleton District Council, prompting the shock announcement. But Coun Huxtable maintained that he had valued Mr Simpson’s “guidance and advice” during his two years as council leader.

He added: “We must not forget Peter’s contributions to this authority and to the shared services work with Richmondshire which has already realised £2.5m in savings and brought us national awards and accolades. We expect that excellent shared serviced work will continue. The outstanding service Hambleton provides for its customers will continue – we are very positive about the future and what this council will continue to achieve.”

The Local Government Association is now in negotiations with Mr Simpson, although Coun Huxtable would not be drawn on whether there is a possibility the chief executive will return to work at the councils.

The Hambleton authority’s deputy chief executive, Phil Morton, has been appointed acting chief executive. His Richmondshire counterpart, Tony Clark, is also due to take on Mr Simpson’s role in the interim.

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