Mansfield District Council changes managing director and chairman

Mansfield District Council has announced the departure of its managing director and chairman in a move which alters the political balance of the authority.
Ruth Marlow- former managing director of Mansfield District CouncilRuth Marlow- former managing director of Mansfield District Council
Ruth Marlow- former managing director of Mansfield District Council

At an extraordinary meeting of the council on Wednesday evening, Mayor Kate Allsop announced that managing director, Ruth Marlow had left the council by mutual agreement.

At the same meeting, Labour councillor Katrina Atherton was removed as Chairman.

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Mayor Allsop said: “I have thanked Ruth Marlow for her 10 years of service and wish her all the best for the future.”

The authority announced the decision following weeks of speculation during which the Chad was told she had been ‘on leave’.

In the interim Bev Smith, the council’s corporate director is acting Head of Paid Service, a legally required position.

Katrina Atherton, the council’s youngest ever chairman has been replaced with Coun Martin Wright from the Mansfield Independent Forum.

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Mayor Allsop added: “It is highly regrettable that Katrina has been replaced. She is a very capable young woman and has been an excellent chairman, who has served the council well.

“However, we could not leave the chairman’s casting vote with the Labour Party now that we have successfully achieved a majority through the coalition.

“I am delighted that Mansfield now has a fully independent council which can deliver my manifesto for the future benefit of the district. We’ll improve the lives of residents in our communities and build on strengths and potential for business and investment.”

An important decision was also made regarding the council’s housing development company.

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The power to appoint to the housing company’s board has now been transferred to the Mayor’s executive (cabinet) members. The Mayor is expected to take on the role of Chairman and the existing board be replaced with specialists from the building and construction industry.

Mayor Allsop has pledged to provide strong leadership and direction for the organisation and fulfil her role as Mansfield’s mayor.