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13 November 2014

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An aerial view of Boston.

An aerial view of Boston.

Councils to have joint chief executive?

BBC Radio Lincolnshire's Scott Dalton looks into speculation that two Lincolnshire councils could share a chief executive.

So, Mick Gallagher has resigned as chief executive of Boston Borough Council. Nothing unusual about that. After all, chief execs come and go. But what happens next at Boston could be very interesting.

There is speculation that one option the council might consider is to share a joint chief executive with the neighbouring South Holland authority. There's no confirmation that this is the case, but statements issued by both authorities don't exactly deny the possibility.

South Holland District Council

A South Holland statement says: "This speculation is understandable as such arrangements are becoming increasingly common as a means of district councils achieving savings. However, we are not at this time in a position to make any comment on this speculation."

And Boston Borough Council wouldn't be drawn on the issue either. Its statement said: "Future arrangements for the post of chief executive will be discussed by a panel of the council and its recommendations will be considered at a full council meeting on Monday 27th July."

So no denial or confirmation from either council there. But is there a hint of things to come in Boston's statement's on Mr Gallagher's departure. It read: "Most importantly of all for our future he (Mick) has been a great supporter of working closely with our neighboring authorities and the county council to work together to provide the best services possible for the residents of Boston and Lincolnshire."

Of course, that could be referring to the fact that Boston and South Holland are already in talks - along with other councils - about sharing "back office" services - these are basically the behind-the-scenes operations that the public don't usually come into contact with.

But if Boston did share South Holland's chief executive would tax payers living in those areas care? Does it really matter? Can one person run two different councils effectively? Would there be a clash of interests? It's over to you…..

last updated: 22/07/2009 at 14:10
created: 22/07/2009

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