09 August 2002
Fitzgerald, who has played a key role in lobbying for extra funds for London authorities, left without notice last week. Sources at the ALG maintained that his departure was a 'mutual decision' by Fitzgerald and ALG chief executive Martin Pilgrim.
The terms of his departure were described as 'confidential' but he is understood to have set up as a management and financial consultant.
Jo Mennell, previously head of lobbying for the ALG's fair funding campaign, will step into Fitzgerald's shoes in the interim.
Fitzgerald's departure will cause consternation for London boroughs. He played a major role in the review of council funding and drew up a successful case against Mayor Ken Livingstone's plans for a 35% increase in the council tax precept this year.
His departure also comes in the middle of the final consultation on local government funding, with the ALG still drafting its submission to the government, which is due in September.
Mennell, who has been at the ALG and its predecessor body for more than 12 years, told Public Finance that it was a busy period with the 'biggest consultation we have had in local government for years'.
But she added that authorities could expect the same high level of service. The post would be filled once the consultation period was over, Mennell added.
The ALG's Pilgrim paid tribute to Fitzgerald. 'During his time in post, the ALG has had a number of successes on funding. The present consultation paper on local government finance shows that he has given London a strong platform from which to argue for a fair funding deal.'
PFaug2002
