North Tyneside councillors have approved the installation of an interim chief executive as the search for a long-term replacement continues.
An extraordinary full council meeting installed the current assistant chief executive Jacqueline Laughton as the local authority’s head of paid service, returning officer and electoral registration officer. These roles were previously held by North Tyneside Council’s ex-chief executive Paul Hanson, who left the authority on January 5.
It was announced in December last year that Mr Hanson is set to leave his £168,104 a year job at the council to become Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals Foundation Trust’s director of estates, facilities and strategic partnerships.
A North Tyneside Council spokesperson said: “We are pleased to announce that Jacqueline Laughton has taken over the role of Chief Executive on an interim basis.
“Jackie – who is currently Assistant Chief Executive – has been designated the Authority’s Head of Paid Service, Returning Officer and Electoral Registration Officer, following an Extraordinary Council meeting last night. A recruitment process for a permanent appointment of a Head of Paid service will begin after the Mayoral election in May.
“Jackie has a wealth of experience and has been an advocate for the Borough and its residents for the 17 years she has worked here. She has been Head of Serving Communities, Director of Corporate Strategy and since June 2022 has been the Assistant Chief Executive.
“Most recently Jackie has been supporting the North East Combined Authority as its Interim Director of Operations.”
Chairman of the council, Coun Steve Cox said: “I would like to give my personal thanks, and I think thanks on behalf of council members, officers, and the residents, for the work Paul did over the years. It’s always good to see a local person achieve the chief executive position and the amount of service he has given to this area is commendable.”
Mr Hanson’s departure comes around seven months after the incumbent mayor, Dame Norma Redfearn, announced she would not seek a fourth term in May 2025. Dame Norma has held the office of elected mayor of North Tyneside since 2013.
According to council documents, the role of Head of Paid Service has responsibility for ensuring that all the authority’s functions are properly co-ordinated as well as organisation staff and appointing appropriate management.
The electoral registration officer is responsible for the maintenance of the electoral register and list of absent voters. The returning officer is an official responsible for organising elections and the declaration of results.
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