Gscene News Archive

Brighton & Hove City Council has appointed John Barradell the new chief executive following the retirement of Alan McCarthy earlier this year.

Mr Barradell, 48, comes from Westminster City Council, where he has been Deputy Chief Executive since 2006.

His service in local government follows a 22-year career in various roles in the private sector before joining Westminster City Council in 2002.

Mr Barradell said:
“I am absolutely delighted to be asked to lead such an ambitious and innovative organisation in these challenging times. Brighton & Hove City Council is continually improving the way it provides services to residents and I want the organisation to perform even better.”

Cllr Gill Mitchell, leader of the Labour group said:
"John Baradell is clearly a city leader and demonstrated an impressive depth of knowledge about Brighton and Hove and placed the need to address inequality among his priorities. I am pleased that his appointment was unanimous across all parties and look forward to working with him."

Lib Dem Group Leader Councillor Paul Elgood has welcomed the appointment of John Barradell as Brighton & Hove City Council's new Chief Executive, saying:
"John Barradell is a stunning candidate for the post. He has a near unique mix of experience and understanding, including a background across the corporate, voluntary and commercial sectors. He is exactly the right person to take on the challenge of leading the city through the recession and we look forward to working with him."

James Ledward editor of Gscene Magazine said:
"The biggest challenge facing the new Chief Executive is to re-build the confidence in the City Council to work in partnership with the Voluntary Sector. The sign of a dynamic city is a vibrant Voluntary Sector which, unfortunately in Brighton and Hove, has lost confidence in the City Council's ability to work in effective and fair partnership, especially with the communities of interest. I wish him well, he has a tough job on his hands."

Council Leader Cllr Mary Mears said:
“I’m very pleased to have been personally involved in John’s selection as I believe the council has got the right person for the job. John’s track record is impressive and I am confident he will bring vision and leadership to the city.

”This was a unanimous decision by the appointing panel, which consisted of the leaders and convenor of all the parties.”

The appointment is subject to a formal agreement at a special meeting of the Full Council. The Council will make a further announcement when Mr Barradell’s start date becomes known.

For more information on Brighton & Hove council:
www.brighton-hove.gov.uk
.