'Axeman' brought in to oversee £300 million cuts at Birmingham Council to retire - here is his replacement
The commissioner brought in by the Government to oversee £300 million worth of cuts has announced he is to retire.
Lead commissioner Max Caller, dubbed 'Max the Axe' by critics, was brought in two years ago by then local government secretary Michael Gove after the council declared itself to be effectively insolvent.
Tony McArdle, the former chief executive of Lincolnshire County Council, has been appointed as his successor.
Mr Caller's retirement comes in the midst of a hugely damaging bin strike.
He previously said he planned to step down as soon as he was confident the council was on a stable footing.
Local government minister Jim McMahon praised Mr Caller, 75, for his work and wished him well for his retirement.
“Max Caller has made a significant contribution to local government throughout his career including leading efforts to put Birmingham City Council on a sustainable footing," he said.
“While the city’s recovery remains fragile, marked progress was made under his leadership including developing a stable medium-term financial plan, making progress towards resolving the outstanding equal pay situation, and re-implementing the Oracle IT programme."
Mr McMahon said the Government’s priority was to ensure this work continued.
“I am confident that will be the case under the new lead commissioner Tony McArdle OBE who brings a huge range of experience to the role having been a well-respected council chief executive and leading interventions at other local authorities.”
Councillor John Cotton, leader of Birmingham Council, thanked Mr Caller for his valuable contribution over the past two years.
