A council managing director forced to retire after suffering mental health problems as a result of her job, this week launched a scathing attack on her former employer – which is defying local government secretary Eric Pickles' advice on backdating ill-health payments.

Christine Laird, who was forced from her role at Cheltenham BC after developing severe depression and post-traumatic stress brought on by work-related pressures, has told The MJ that she ‘can't move on' until the council admits its failings.