In a notable development within Derbyshire’s local governance, Neil Crittenden has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of Derbyshire County Council. He transitions from a senior leadership position at the renowned Alton Towers theme park, where he served as the interim vice-president and was part of the Merlin Entertainment group for over 16 years. This unique selection marks a significant shift as Crittenden will bring experience from the business world into a public service role.
The decision to bring Crittenden into the administrative helm of Derbyshire County Council has drawn attention, particularly from Alan Graves, the leader of the Reform UK party within the council. Graves emphasized that the appointment of someone from outside traditional local government could indeed catalyze positive changes within the framework of council operations. He stated that during his time at Merlin, Crittenden’s emphasis was on transformation and enhancing customer experiences, which he likened to serving the residents of Derbyshire.
Crittenden’s predecessor, Emma Alexander, recently departed to take up a role at Tameside Council, creating this opening. Notably, Simon Stevens, who had been the interim CEO following Alexander’s departure, resigned from his position just days before the announcement of Crittenden’s appointment. The authority’s council will officially vote on Crittenden’s appointment next week, although with a comfortable majority held by Reform UK, the decision is anticipated to be a mere formality.
Graves described the process of selecting Crittenden for CEO as highly unusual, highlighting the fact that Derbyshire County Council received 43 applications and subsequently interviewed nine candidates for the role. This initiative aimed to attract someone with a fresh perspective, thereby addressing some persistent issues within the local government landscape. “If it’s not a first, it’s highly unusual,” stated Graves, underscoring the move’s significance. He expressed the belief that Crittenden’s extensive background in customer service and transformation could be pivotal as the council works toward innovative ways of governance.
While many Reform UK councillors were elected on a pledge to decrease the salaries of upper management, it has been reported that Crittenden’s remuneration will be set at the lowest tier of the national pay scale for the position, amounting to £181,018 annually, with opportunities for performance-related bonuses. This decision aligns with the council’s stance to promote fiscal responsibility while ensuring strong leadership.
Crittenden himself has expressed enthusiasm about his new position, describing his eagerness to collaborate with council colleagues and to effectively serve Derbyshire’s residents. This commitment hints at a collaborative approach that may help bridge business insights with public service needs.
From an analytical viewpoint, Colin Hazelden, a Derby political reporter, shared reflections on the challenges Crittenden may face as he starts his role. Local government operates on various mandatory ‘statutory’ services, which could limit the scope for transformative changes. Nonetheless, Hazelden noted that the new leadership is seeking to break away from conventional methods that have frustrated council members.
In summary, Neil Crittenden’s appointment as CEO represents a notable intersection between the business world and public administration. Emphasizing transformational leadership in local governance, his unique background may indeed usher in the fresh approach that Derbyshire County Council is seeking to implement. The upcoming vote will solidify this decision, setting the stage for a new chapter in local government leadership.
