Liverpool City Council has made a temporary appointment after the dramatic resignation of its chief executive yesterday.
Tony Reeves quit as the troubled council's most senior officer yesterday after four years in charge. He announced he was leaving with immediate effect following mounting speculation about his future.
As well as being chief executive, Mr Reeves held the statutory role as the council's head of paid service. The authority has moved quickly to fill this position on a temporary basis.
READ MORE: Liverpool Council chief executive Tony Reeves resigns
Anne Marie Lubanski, who is the director of adult services and health will take over the head of paid service position for the immediate future. This will be the case while the council begins the recruitment process for an interim chief executive to replace Mr Reeves.
Ms Lubanski will fulfil all statutory duties as Head of Paid Service until further notice, working closely with the mayor, cabinet and commissioners and with the full support of the council’s Corporate Management Team. The council said she is a 'well-respected leader' within the organisation who has a 'wealth of experience' in local government after spending more than 35 years in the social care sector.
In response to the appointment, Mayor Joanne Anderson said: "“I am pleased to confirm that Anne Marie Lubanski, Director of Adult Services, has been appointed to the statutory role of Head of Paid Service. "Following yesterday’s announcement, I wanted to act swiftly to ensure stability for Liverpool City Council. Anne Marie brings a wealth of expertise and is highly respected by staff and stakeholders.
"I have full confidence that she will bring strong leadership, continuity and support the council to deliver the best for residents as we seek to appoint an interim chief executive over the coming weeks.”
The council will hope to hire an interim chief executive in a matter of weeks. Mr Reeves' resignation was confirmed yesterday by Mayor Anderson.
She said: "I want to thank Tony for his work over the past four years, in particular helping Liverpool City Council to navigate some difficult waters. I wish Tony well in the next stage of his career. Myself and the Cabinet look forward to working with new leadership on continuing our improvement journey and ensuring the council delivers for the people of Liverpool.”
Mr Reeves said: "I’m sad to be leaving Liverpool City Council but I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported me over the past four years, in what has been exceptional times for the council and the city. It has been the privilege of a lifetime to have been Chief Executive of an organisation that does so much tremendous work for such a fantastic city and its amazing people."
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