The Chief Executives of Forest Heath District Council and St Edmundsbury Borough Council have both decided not to apply for the newly-created Joint Chief Executive post.
The closing date for applications was noon yesterday, with an appointment due to be confirmed by meetings of both councils on 15 February.
In a joint statement, David Burnip (Forest Heath) and Geoff Rivers (St Edmundsbury) said:
"Sharing services at all levels is essential for both councils because the financial pressures are just too great for either to sustain alone. Forest Heath and St Edmundsbury are at a watershed and we have decided that it is in the best interests of both organisations if they have the opportunity to appoint a new Chief Executive. There are interesting times ahead for councillors and staff and our very best wishes go to whoever will take up this challenging role of bringing the councils that we know so well closer together."
David Burnip has been at Forest Heath for 30 years, starting as a solicitor and Assistant Secretary. Geoff Rivers joined St Edmundsbury three years ago from South Norfolk, where he was also Chief Executive. When starting their working lives both men were in the same part of north-east England at the same time, although their paths never crossed. Mr Burnip began as a solicitor in the private sector while Mr Rivers was working in local government housing.
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Issued by Marianne Hulland, Communications Unit, St Edmundsbury Borough Council. Phone: 01284 757034 Mobile: 07958 470501 Email: marianne.hullnand@stedsbc.gov.uk
