As Helene reported yesterday, former Barnet Council chief executive Leo Boland has started his new job with the same title at the GLA (though the role is rather different). His tasks are expected to include drawing up a code of conduct for mayoral advisers - an important matter, given that the relationship between advisers and decisions taken within the GLA group was one of the main issues to emerge from the Lee Jasper affair.
How will Boland fare? The Troll claimed at the time of his appointment that - contrary to what had been asserted elsewhere - both Mayor Johnson and Simon Milton wanted Jeff Jacobs, who'd been acting CEO, to continue in the role but that the interview panel had had other ideas. Tom of Boris Watch commented that council tax rose substantially in Barnet under Boland and drew attention to that borough's unfortunate investments in Icelandic banks. On the other hand, Jennette Arnold's warm welcome noted that Boland has previously served in Labour-run Hackney and Newham.
What else can I tell you? Well, he's got 13 O-Levels. Any additional information gladly received.
