“Outrage” at West Sussex council chief executive “sacking” controversy

A SHOCKWAVE of controversy hit West Sussex County Council after its leader was accused of “outrageous” behaviour for allegedly trying to sack chief executive Mark Hammond.

On Thursday, September 2, it was announced Mr Hammond was on extended leave as from the previous day.

A brief statement issued by the council said Kieran Stigant, executive director for communities, had agreed to take on the role of interim chief executive until the long-term position was settled.

But then the Association of Local Authority Chief Executives (ALACE) claimed the leader, Conservative councillor Louise Goldsmith, had summoned Mr Hammond back from leave to sack him, and he was given extended leave only after its intervention.

The county council’s response was to issue a further statement on Monday, September 6. saying it could confirm it had been contacted by ALACE.

“We are currently in discussions about the terms of his employment and in view of this there will be no further comment at this time,” it added.

ALACE secretary Mary Orton said: “The way Mark Hammond has been treated by his council is outrageous.

“We understand he was summoned in from leave to be summarily dismissed by his leader.

“This is in complete contravention of proper procedures, and just shows how important it is that chief executives have statutory legal protection against arbitrary dismissal at the whim of politicians.”

Roger Morris, a spokesman for the ALACE, said it condemned the “high-handed and unlawful” way in which the matter had been handled.

Mr Hammond is one of England’s top 10 best-paid chief executives. His salary in 2009-2010 was reported in a recent pay survey to be £266,000.

Mr Hammond, who lives near Chichester, became chief executive in 2004.

Tory Worthing councillor Roger Oakley said: “I am concerned this matter is giving rise to rumour and speculation.”

Councillor James Walsh, a Lib Dem member who has served for 25 years on the county council, said: “This claim by ALACE makes a very serious allegation against the leader of the council, in that she sought to sack the chief executive without following proper procedures.

“If true, it calls into question the judgement of the council leader.

“It is imperative county councillors are given the whole truth as soon as possible.”