NOW that Slough’s chief executive Josie Wragg is gone, who will lead the council through its financial difficulties?

Mrs Wragg was sacked on Wednesday, March 9, for gross misconduct after an investigating disciplinary committee found she failed to identify or manage the risks facing the council.

She did not demonstrate she was capable of leading the authority through its financial difficulties. She was also criticised for carrying out a failed council restructure before the accounts were signed off, which was dubbed “reckless”.

Slough Observer: Josie WraggJosie Wragg

Usually, a chief executive is dismissed by full council. However, Slough Borough Council has had this power stripped and given to government-appointed commissioners, who are here to help the council get through its difficulties.

Essex County Council’s current CEO Gavin Jones will be Slough’s chief executive and head of paid service.

READ MORE: Slough chief executive sacked for "gross misconduct"

Lead commissioner Max Caller and finance commissioner Margaret Lee requested government for a third person to join their team earlier this year as an assistant commissioner

During that time, Mrs Wragg was “off sick” and subject to the investigating disciplinary committee, who recommended to commissioners that she should be dismissed.

READ MORE: Sacked Slough Counil boss "prepared to robustly defend" reput

He joined local government and spent 10 years as chief executive of Swindon Borough Council after having worked in the commercial sector for much of his career, including time in the airline, travel, and technology sectors.

He has also been chair of SOLACE – the UK’s leading membership network for public sector and local government professionals – for three years, helping it to grow and support leadership across the local government.