Tributes to departing council chief

DEPARTING Oldham chief executive, Charlie Parker

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THE departure of Charlie Parker will be a “disappointing loss for Oldham” according to former council leader Howard Sykes.

Mr Sykes was council leader when Mr Parker was appointed chief executive in 2008.

He said: “I was very pleased when we managed to attract Mr Parker to Oldham — and he’s definitely done what he set out to do. He has delivered on the things we agreed on at the start, in very difficult circumstances.

“Mr Parker has been instrumental in getting the borough where it is now and though he hasn’t done it all on his own, he has recruited the team that made it all happen, which is just as important.

“I am very pleased for him and his family, but it is a disappointing loss for Oldham.

“But we have other great people staying in Oldham that will now rise to this opportunity.”

Mr Parker’s new role as chief executive at Westminster City Council is expected to be confirmed at a meeting next week and it is thought that he will stay in Oldham until Christmas.

Mr Parker’s annual salary package of £213,000, including expenses and pension contribution, was heavily criticised by some Oldham residents but colleagues say his achievements over the past five years — including the arrival of Metrolink and the redevelopment of the Old Town Hall — have proved his worth.

Conservative leader Councillor John Hudson, currently Mayor of Oldham, said: “When Charlie Parker came to Oldham, he didn’t come for a lifetime; he said he had a five-year plan and he has been part of a very difficult five years that have been hard working but very progressive.

“He has worked hard with two different administrations and leaders — first Howard Sykes and the Lib-Dems, then Jim McMahon and Labour — and he seems to have had the same positive ethos throughout. He has carried out, for both leaders, everything that was necessary.

“He has been a great influence on Oldham and I hope we can now find someone as progressive who can keep moving us forward.”

Councillor Dave Hibbert, Cabinet member for housing, transport and planning, said: “Charlie is a man of honesty and integrity. He is extremely approachable and has done an excellent job for our borough. The regional and national recognition of these qualities is a compliment to Oldham.”