Top quartet settle into new roles

The all-female top team... (above, from the left) Elaine McLean, Emma Alexander, Carolyn Wilkins and Veronica Jackson

OLDHAM Council’s all-woman management team was among the obeservers of this week’s budget debate.

The four women, an assistant chief executive and three heads of directorates, sat through the gruelling four-hour debate before the council tax rise of 2.5 per cent was finally agreed by councillors on Wednesday.

The four new management roles replace six senior managers’ posts, saving the council £200,000 a year.

Elaine McLean is executive director for economy, places and skills; Emma Alexander heads performance capacity and services; and Carolyn Wilkins is the new assistant chief executive, responsible for corporate policy, partnerships, communications and marketing.

The team is completed by Veronica Jackson, currently head of adult and community services, who becomes the new head of the people, communities and society directorate.

Salaries are expected to be between £130,000 to £140,000 a year.