THURROCK Council's Managing Director Commissioner Dr Dave Smith is to leave the authority.

The council's senior officer was put in place by the government in March 2023 after it imposed intervention of the effectively bankrupt council, His officially undisclosed salary is believed to be around the £250,000 mark.

Dr Smith has had 'hands on' control of the authority as it has lurched through its financial crisis – working with two other government-appointed commissioners and leading a team of senior officers that has grown to more than 77 assistant directors and heads of service or above.

In reports to government, the commissioners have reported on their actions and the performance of the council.  

Today (Tuesday, 27 January) the Minister of State for Local Government and Homelessness, Alison McGovern, has responded to their most recent report, which can be read via this link.

Ms McGovern says she is pleased to see the continued progress made by the council, including the smooth transition to new leadership and the necessary steps the council continues to take to reduce its level of debt.

In her response she notes the risk to ongoing organisational capacity due to the significant pressures of delivering transformation alongside local government reorganisation (LGR). It was that 'risk' last week that prompted the government to a request by Thurrock's Labour leadership to cancel local elections in May.

She said it will be crucial that the council does not lose focus in the next few months, and ensures that it maintains the pace of its improvement, alongside the important transformation programmes.    

However, she reports that commissioners have suggested that the council is ready to move forward with a less intensive intervention, and as part of that to recruit their own chief executive, should a suitable candidate be found to replace Dr Smith.

Thurrock Council leader Cllr Lynn Worrall said: "I welcome the findings of Commissioners in their latest letter to Government, which really shows the huge strides forward that the council has taken over the last year, building on previous progress.

"We know there are challenges ahead, but it does feel as though we are much better-equipped to tackle them, as a well-run council with the right governance, systems and processes in place.

"On the basis of the significant progress we have made, which I'm really pleased to see recognised by the Secretary of State and Commissioners, it does feel the right time for us to take more ownership of the council, and seek a new chief executive.

"I'm hugely grateful to Dave both for helping to get the council back on track, and for his personal support as I took on the role of Leader. He will leave the council in a good place, and with a strong team of senior officers who will continue to work with my Cabinet to drive Thurrock forward.

"I am well aware there is still a huge amount to do to get Thurrock's finances into the best shape as we evolve with neighbours into a new council. My Cabinet and I look forward to working with Commissioners to continue on our improvement journey."

No date has been given for Dr Smith's departure.