Authority boss to quit £160,000 job

The chief executive of Telford & Wrekin Council is to quit the £160,000-a-year top job at the authority, it was revealed today.

Steve Wellings, who has been in the post for almost three years, will leave at the end of July "to pursue other interests".

Mr Wellings joined Telford & Wrekin Council as corporate director for resources in September 2001.

He took over as chief executive in November 2006 when Michael Frater left.

Mr Wellings said: "I shall be sad to leave Telford & Wrekin and I have been very privileged to work with some very talented and committed people, both within the council and in the many partner organisations with whom we work so closely.

"I have especially enjoyed the challenge of making a positive difference to the lives of local people.

"I'm looking forward to new challenges, including making the most of my time as a President of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy in the Midlands for the next couple of years."

Council leader Andrew Eade said: "I am sure that everyone connected with the council will join me in thanking Steve for his contribution to Telford & Wrekin over the last eight years and wish him well in the future."

Opposition Labour group leader Councillor Keith Austin said: "I think Steve has done a good job at the council.

All my dealings with him have been courteous and we have always got along well. I wish him well for the future."

A spokesman said the council would appoint an interim replacement after Mr Wellings' departure and begin recruiting a new and permanent chief executive, a process which was expected to take a number of months.

He added: "In the meantime, the council will continue its officer restructuring designed to reduce the costs of running the organisation."

Mr Wellings has more than 30 years' experience in local government and has strong roots in the West Midlands, having worked for Coventry City Council, Wolverhampton City Council and Birmingham City Council previously.

Prior to his arrival in Telford he was Birmingham City Council's lead officer in their bid for a national football stadium, dubbed "Brum-bley".

During his time in charge at Telford & Wrekin he witnessed a power shift when the Conservatives took control from Labour two years ago.