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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
Chris Gee

Search for new Bury Council chief executive begins after Geoff Little announces date for retirement

Bury Council is seeking a new chief executive after Geoff Little announced a date for his retirement. Mr Little, 62, will leave his role in 2023 after 45 years of local government service.

Mr Little also leads Bury’s health and care partnership. His leadership was described the council’s current leader, Eamonn O’Brien as ‘positively transforming’ the way council and health services were run in the borough.

In a letter to councillors, Mr Little, said: “In six months’ time, March 2023, I will retire as Bury’s chief executive and place based lead for health and care partnership. Next month marks my 45th year in local government and now feels like the right time to bow out.

“I have had a wonderful career and have been blessed to work with brilliant people doing all we could to improve places and lives. The leader of the council, councillor Eamonn O’Brien and I have agreed a timetable for the appointment of my successor with enough time for a managed handover.

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“The appointment will include the role of Place Based Lead for Bury’s Health and Care Partnership. We hope to be able to make an announcement by December.

“It has been my pleasure to work for the people of this wonderful borough on two occasions. I first joined Bury Council in 1986 for 10 years and I snapped at the chance to return in 2018.

“I am proud of what we are achieving in the borough by working together with our partners across the public, private and voluntary sectors. We are making significant steps forward and you can be assured of my continued full commitment.”

Mr Little joined Bury Council in 1986 where he worked in committee services and policy and research. He later worked at Manchester City Council where he became deputy chief executive and returned to head Bury Council in 2018.

Coun O’Brien, said: “Geoff has done a tremendous job, bringing together both the council and local NHS commissioning, a pioneering move to provide joined-up services which will benefit all Bury residents. His leadership has helped positively transform the council, even during the toughest years we have ever faced.

“His central role in supporting our borough get through the Covid pandemic showed his tireless commitment to public service. His ability to drive forward our plans to regenerate our town centres and create prosperity across Bury exemplifies the depth of talent he has brought to the role too.

“We are sorry to see him go, but his retirement after 45 years of public service is well deserved, and I wish Geoff and his family the very best in their future plans.”

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