Oldham businessman: 'I can do council top-job for half the salary'

Date published: 29 July 2021


A local businessman plans to apply for the Chief Executive’s role at Oldham Council.

Paul Errock, managing director of a multi-million pound construction firm, intends to formally apply for the £185,169 year job once it is vacated by Dr Carolyn Wilkins.

He made his intentions clear in a letter to the council saying his credentials, earned over 37 years, are ideal to tackle issues faced by the current council.

Speaking exclusively to the Oldham Evening Chronicle he said: "My initial letter to Oldham Council was on a 'To whom it concern' basis, primarily to put them on notice.

"This will be followed up on Friday to Councillors who I feel 'may' support my application. The role for CEO has not yet been formalised for the receiving of applications. Once it is,  I will be going through the formal process route and see where that takes me.”

In his original letter, Mr Errock says: "I note the salary and renumeration package of the out-going CEO Dr Carolyn Wilkins, was taken in full and offered no donations back into the Borough’s many deserving causes.

“I would propose to undertake the role at 50 percent of the salary and renumeration of the outgoing CEO enjoyed, and propose that 50 per cent  of future salary and renumeration associated with this role be donated to reduce the costs in our borough  of school meals.

"I will not be resigning my current role as Managing Director of Marshall Errock Construction Ltd, and intend to operate co-roles in order that the borough obtains maximum benefit at minimum costs to the rate payers.

“I am willing to sign and adhere to a disclaimer that disallows conflict of interests and bars MEC from providing any quotes for prospective projects up-coming by OMBC.

His letter outlined his priority issues in the role would including a full official audio of Oldham Council's accounts; the abolition of all parking fees in the borough; and the immediate suspension any plans to build on greenbelt land.

You can read the full letter here.

An Oldham council spokesperson said: "The Chief Executive role is not currently open for applications.
 
"An appointments panel is being convened, which will consider what arrangements would be most appropriate in the immediate and longer term for the organisation and the borough.
 
"When the recruitment process begins, the position will be openly advertised, and we would welcome a wide range of applications."

Mr Errock previously stood as a candidate in the 2019 General Election in the Oldham East and Saddleworth constituency for the Proud of Oldham and Saddleworth Party.


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