Hunt for a new chief executive goes on

Tameside Council will have to wait a bit longer for a new chief executive after failing to find the right candidate.

A panel of town hall bosses looked at a number of potential new chief executives recently, but felt none were the right fit. This means the wait for a new permanent chief executive will extend beyond eight months.

The last permanent CEO was Sandra Stewart, who resigned in October 2024 following pressures from overseeing a string of failings in the authority’s children’s services. 

Shortly after she quit her £184,767-a-year job, Harry Catherall stepped in as the interim chief executive – a role he has vowed to retain until a permanent replacement is found.

Mr Catherall, who recently received an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours, came across from neighbouring authority Oldham where he had been chief executive for three years.

A Tameside Council spokesperson said: “Following a robust and carefully considered process that involved many stakeholders including our senior leadership team, elected members, staff, young people and local and regional partners, the appointments panel decided they were not able to recommend any of the shortlisted candidates for appointment of the position of chief executive.

“While disappointing, this does show that we are not willing to compromise for Tameside. 

“Ensuring the right leadership for any role is about more than simply filling a position — it’s about upholding the highest standards for our employees and residents alike and every appointment must reflect a commitment to excellence.

“Harry Catherall will continue in his position as Interim chief executive, while the recruitment process remains live, driving service improvement and supporting stability.

“Working with Penna the council will seek to bring forward new candidates every two months until a successful appointment for a permanent chief executive is made.”

The council is in the process of lining up a new shortlist of candidates and hopes to appoint a new permanent chief executive in the coming months.