A review into the role of the Greater London Authority’s Chief Executive has concluded “here is no legal requirement” for the job, paving the way for the position to be axed.
Last month it emerged incumbent Chief Executive Leo Boland had asked the Mayor to review the need for the £205,615 a year post following Government plans “to pass greater executive powers over public services to elected mayors.”
A review carried out by TfL General Counsel Howard Carter has concluded the statutory functions of the post – that of Head of Paid Service and Greater London Returning Officer – could be carried out “by other suitably qualified officers.”
A memo sent to all City Hall staff on Thursday morning says a report will sent to the London Assembly proposing consultation on deleting the post.
Full text of email:
“Dear Colleague
Following Leo’s message to all staff on 21 January, Howard Carter General Counsel for TfL, has been carrying out the review into the Chief Executive’s post.
The review has looked at the statutory requirements for the GLA in relation to the Chief Executive’s role, the various options available and their implications, and the decision making process. It sets out that there is no legal requirement for the GLA to have a Chief Executive and that the two statutory functions currently carried out as part of the post – that of Head of Paid Service and Greater London Returning Officer, could be carried out by other suitably qualified officers.
On the basis of this, and following discussions between Assembly Group Leaders and the Mayor, a report has gone to the Assembly proposing to begin formal consultation on the possible deletion of the Chief Executive’s post. Consultation would be with affected staff, ie the Chief Executive and direct reports. In accordance with the GLA’s Statutory Officers Protocol, it is also proposed to seek expressions of interest from existing internal postholders to undertake the statutory functions of Head of Paid Service and Greater London Returning Officer, in the event that the post of Chief Executive is approved for deletion.
Any final decisions on the post will need to be formally taken by the Mayor through a Mayoral Decision and the full Assembly. We will of course continue to keep staff informed.”
