There have been mixed reactions in the world of Liverpool politics over the dramatic resignation of city council chief executive Tony Reeves.
The news of Mr Reeves' immediate departure from his role was confirmed today by Mayor of Liverpool Joanne Anderson. Speculation had been mounting in recent days that the Welshman was set to leave Liverpool.
Seen by many as the man who was turning the council round after a series of scandals, others have suggested he is ultimately culpible for a range of contract errors that have come to light in recent weeks and could cost the cash-strapped local authority many millions of additional pounds.
READ MORE: Liverpool Council chief executive Tony Reeves resigns
The city's main opposition group leader, Lib Dem boss Richard Kemp, had a productive relationship with the outgoing chief executive and praised him for his work to expose wrongdoing and get the city council back on track.
He said: "I am really saddened but not surprised at today’s announcement that our chief executive, Tony Reeves has resigned from the Council’s employment. His actions stopped the council losing many more millions through practices which were first exposed in an internal audit report that he commissioned; this led to the police investigation; this led to the Caller Report; this led to Commissioners being put in.
"Mr Reeves was caught between an incompetent and inexperienced set of politicians and an incompetent and inexperienced set of commissioners. His position became intolerable, and I understand that for the sake of his health and his family he has decided to move on."
Others were less complimentary. Liberal group leader Steve Radford said his group had "expressed disquiet" on numerous occasions. Cllr Radford added: "We regret the immediate nature of the resignation, which hampers a transfer of responsibility, this is not what the city needs at this juncture."
The Liverpool Community Independents, a political group recently formed from former Labour councillors, had previously described Mr Reeves' position as "untenable". Tweeting today, group member Cllr Alan Gibbons said: "In the light of the £16 million energy bill fiasco and the consequent revelations about a range of other contracts that had expired or where on the verge of expiry, this became inevitable."
Mayor of Liverpool Joanne Anderson, who has worked closely with Mr Reeves since her election last May, had warm words for her departing colleague. 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.”
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