THE LEADER of Harlow Labour has expressed his deep concern over the number of chief executives that have come and gone at Harlow Council since the Tories came to power in 2021.

Councillor James Griggs said: “Why can the Tories not keep a Chief Exec?

“With the sudden and unexpected departure of Yvonne Rees Harlow Council is yet again seeking a Chief Executive. Cllr Swords explain action of ‘an interim contract has come to an end’ has no credibility. You plan for such a thing, this is an unexplained and immediate departure.

The Tories have now seen off four in a little over three years.

“Is this Tory administration that difficult to work with? Why can they not hold on to senior staff?
Ms Rees brought in another interim to effectively be her deputy, he’s gone with her today.
The senior management team has been decimated under the watch of the Harlow Tories.

Just a couple of weeks ago I asked Ms Rees when we would be starting the recruitment of her replacement and she showed no signs of intending to leave any time soon. So, did she jump or was she pushed?

“I hope that we will urgently start the process of recruiting a permanent Chief Exec, something I’ve been seeking for some time.

I have today written to the Chair of the Council and requested an emergency meeting of the council to allow councillors to discuss this chaotic situation.

“To misquote Oscars Wildes infamous Lady Bracknell, ‘to lose one chief exec may be considered unfortunate, to lose four looks like carelessness.’

“Chaotic carelessness I’d say!”