Council chief’s ‘gardening leave’ (From York Press)

Hambleton Council chief’s ‘gardening leave’

8:59am Wednesday 22nd February 2012 in News

AN award-winning council chief executive was sent home on gardening leave due to “serious management issues”, it has been revealed.

The announcement was made by Hambleton Council leader Neville Huxtable at a meeting yesterday.

Peter Simpson, chief executive of Hambleton and Richmondshire District Councils, was escorted from council offices at the Civic Centre, in Northallerton, on Friday, and is on paid leave of absence from his job.

He has been placed on “gardening leave” rather than being suspended.

Coun Huxtable paid tribute to Mr Simpson’s work in a meeting of the full council yesterday afternoon. He said: “We have been led to take this course of action after concerns regarding serious management issues came to light.

“However, I am unable to go into any more detail at this moment in time because of employment contractual arrangements.

“Peter is a Hambleton District Council employee, so this decision was made by Hambleton.”

He said advice and assistance was also given by the Local Government Association.

Mr Simpson has been chief executive of Hambleton District Council for 15 years, and a shared chief executive with Richmondshire District Council for the last four years.

Hambleton councillors approved a recommendation from cabinet members that deputy chief executive Phil Morton be appointed acting chief executive of Hambleton council until further notice.

An announcement on the equivalent position in Richmondshire is expected shortly.