In a full council meeting on Thursday, Matthew Golby was selected as the new leader and will take up the post after serving as acting leader following the resignation of Heather Smith in March.
Golby said: “These are extraordinary times we are facing in Northamptonshire and I am committed to providing the stable leadership required to see us through the transition to unitary governance over the coming years.
“I am keen to continue the work we’ve already begun to reform local government in the county in full partnership with our district and borough council colleagues, and with local MPs.
“Another priority for me is to begin rebuilding trust with our communities and residents.”
Smith stepped down after a damning government-commissioned report was published, suggesting Northamptonshire should be broken up and two unitaries formed.
Golby served as deputy leader and lead member for children’s services under Smith.
At the same full council meeting, executive director for commercial, place and health Andrew Quincey was officially ratified as interim chief executive.
Northamptonshire County Council timeline
- January 2018- Sajid Javid sends in inspector to investigate the council’s financial management.
- February 2018- the council issues the first ‘section 114’ notice in 20 years, banning all spending except on statutory services.
- February 2018- the council plans to sell off their brand new headquarters to generate cash.
- February 2018- Auditors warn the council’s budget may not be lawful.
- February 2018- the council pass a revised budget.
- March 2018- Inspector Max Caller publishes report recommending the county is split into two unitaries.
- March 2018- council accepts the reports findings - leader Heather Smith steps down.
- March 2018- Javid announces that the council will continue to make majority of decisions despite government commissioners’ involvement.
- April 2018- Matthew Golby appointed new council leader.
