Hartlepool council chief executive postpones retirement due to ongoing coronavirus outbreak

Gill Alexander was planning to step down from her role in the summer but will now stay in post for the foreseeable future.

Ms Alexander announced her retirement last month before the onset of the Covid-19 outbreak.

“There is no doubt that we still face some difficult times ahead and the last thing the Council needs at a time of national crisis is for the leadership arrangements currently in place to be disrupted,” she said.

Ms Alexander has been Chief Executive for 5 years, having previously served as the authority’s Director of Child and Adult Services.

She added: “We face an extraordinary challenge at this moment in time and leading our response will require as much stability and resilience as we can muster.

”Local Government is a critical front line service in stopping the spread of the virus, protecting our community and economy and meeting the needs of the vulnerable.

“We have one of the smallest and most efficient leadership arrangements in the region and the way we have responded has been remarkable. However we need to keep momentum and stay resilient.

“I am proud to be Chief Executive. The Council has a very dedicated and committed workforce and this has been so evident during the coronavirus outbreak, with staff at all levels going the extra mile to ensure that the town’s most vulnerable residents receive the support they need. I will do all that I can to continue to steer us through this unprecedented crisis.”

She added: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank all employees for their efforts and also townspeople generally for the support they continue to give the Council and each other at this difficult time.

“I am confident that by continuing to work together we can get through the pandemic and, hopefully, emerge stronger as a town.”

During her time in charge, Ms Alexander has overseen a number of major initiatives and multi-million investment to improve the town including regeneration of Seaton Carew, Church Street and Church Square.

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