Chester City Council's leader has dismissed reports of a rift, following the departure of chief executive, Paul Durham.

Mr Durham announced his retirement this week, after confirmation the Conservative administration, in power since May, was planning a major management restructure. This would effectively make the chief executive post redundant, in favour of a managing director.

Speculation about a rift between Mr Durham and the new administration had centred on the local government reorganisation. Mr Durham backed two unitary authorities. The Conservatives backed improved, two-tier working. But council leader, Margaret Parker, dismissed claims this had led to conflict.
‘It is just not true that there has been any conflict. The rumours are the result of scaremongering by the local media,' she told The MJ.

Responding to questions over the cost of a management restructure ahead of a likely move from six Cheshire councils to two unitaries, Cllr Parker said the move could actually save the council money.

‘We are appointing an acting MD for six to nine months, internally. In March 2008, we'll advertise the post externally, and this will be on a permanent basis. However, we will review this after the final local government review in December.'

The idea to restructure has been slammed by the Liberal Democrats. Group leader, Paul Roberts, said: ‘This seems to me like precisely the wrong time to reorganise.

‘It is always reasonable to look at the council structure when a senior figure leaves, but at a time when we have new unitary authorities taking over, it seems absolutely crazy.

‘Staff need stability, and this will be a costly move.'

Mr Durham has already left the council. Chris Hardy, deputy chief executive, has been appointed as the interim head of paid services.