Hunt for new boss of West Midlands Combined Authority goes on
The search for a new boss of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) goes on after selectors were unable to find a suitable candidate.
A new permanent chief executive of the body to replace Laura Shoaf, who stepped down in June, had been expected to be announced at a WMCA board meeting.
But West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker said the authority’s employment committee had been unable to recommend a candidate and the report to board members had been withdrawn. A fresh recruitment drive will now be held.
Deputy chief executive Ed Cox, who had been carrying out the top job on an interim basis, has agreed to continue holding the reins for the next few months.
The report to the board had also recommended the salary range, previously set from £180,000 to £215,000, be raised to an as yet undisclosed amount.
It said the current wage was “too low to attract the calibre of candidates needed”.
At the meeting, Mr Parker said: “Unfortunately, the employment committee that met was not able to recommend a candidate to the board.
“I’m very pleased that Ed Cox, who has done such a great job as interim, has kindly agreed to continue in the role of chief executive for the time being.
“There will be a fresh recruitment campaign in the new year.”
Wolverhampton Council leader Stephen Simkins said: “We’ve got an ideal opportunity to build stability and all the leaders support Ed in the role and also support the staff moving forward.
“Many local authorities are going through transition and what we need is that stability.
“I personally offer as much support as Ed wants to and any member of staff in the combined authority.
“Most, if not all the leaders will agree that now is the time to move forward and build up a bigger and better and more resilient combined authority working collaboratively.”
Councillor Karen Grinsell, leader of Solihull Council added: “I just want to echo those words and offer our thanks to Ed and look forward to working with him over the next six months.”
When she announced her departure, Laura Shoaf said: “I have lived and worked in the West Midlands for over 20 years, and I am proud that I have been able to make a real difference for our residents.
“I will always champion our wonderful region and while I am sad to be leaving the Combined Authority, I know I am leaving it with people who care passionately about the West Midlands and will continue to see it go from strength to strength.”
Mr Parker said she had done “an exemplary job for this region”.
