OPPOSITION Lib Dem Cllrs. on Warrington Borough Council have issued a statement thanking outgoing Deputy Chief Executive and Finance Director Lynton Green for his services to the town.
The Liberal Democrat opposition has thanked Lynton Green for his services to the town over the past fifteen years. His retirement from the role of Chief Finance Officer and Deputy Chief Executive has just been announced.
Lib Dem Spokesperson for Finance, Cllr Ian Marks says, “I appointed Lynton as our senior officer for finance when I was leader of the Council and I have no reservations whatsoever about this decision. He has been an excellent officer and is right to be very proud of what he has achieved. Contrary to what some people think, Warrington’s financial situation is not that bad. The majority of councils up and down the country are suffering from severe funding pressures and around thirty have needed extra financial support from the government. We are not one of these and on a positive note we have just had our credit rating upheld.
“I have repeatedly stated that we do not support all the financial decisions made by the Labour administration but the fact is that the interest from them have enabled us to retain vital public services.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Lynton and I will miss his wise counsel, judgement and friendship. We understand why now is the time for him to move on and we wish him all the very best for the future.”
Lynton Green’s decision to retire, as revealed by Warrington Worldwide earlier this week, follows on from the departure of Chief Executive Prof. Steven Broomhead.
Both departures followed a Government decision to send in special envoys to help oversee the council’s financial affairs following on from a damning Best Value Inspection surrounding the council’s financial position, with debts amounting to £1.9 billion at one time.
5 Comments
I can think of 1.6 billion reasons why this viewpoint from the LibDems is utterly crazy.
Totally agree Trevor
Ian Marks’ supportive remarks for an officer he appointed should be viewed in light of his ridiculously reassuring comments about WBC holding its bb credit rating, and in view of the presence of the government appointed envoys overseeing the council’s finances. WBC’s rating was higher before Lynton Green and the others in the Gang of Four embarked on their ill considered investment “strategy.”
I could not disagree more with Ian’s and the Lib Dem’s comments. I was a Conservative Councillor and a Member of the Council’s Audit and Corporate Governace Committee. In my experience, there was an absence of openness and transparency of Treasury matters facitated by the Labour majority and an absence of oversight by the Lib Dems. Conservative scrutiny of Treasury Matters and Treasury Management Practices at the Committee was regularly closed down by Labour and Senior Officers. Major change and major improvements are needed.
Amen to those sentiments. Cllr Marks seems to be taking over where Bob Barr left off.