The role of the chief executive at Harrow Council could be scrapped in a cost-cutting move that is being criticised.

On Wednesday last week Conservative leader of the council, Councillor Susan Hall, informed staff that the role of the chief executive – currently occupied by Michael Lockwood – could be abolished as the council enter into a 30-day consultation period, ending on November 22.

Ms Hall told the Observer: "With the council planning to make substantial savings over the coming years, it is only right that we look at the top end of our management instead of simply salami-slicing lower down."

The administration estimate the abolition of the position in Harrow will save approximately £1million over four years, freeing up money to then plough back into frontline services.

Should the role be scrapped, the responsibilities of the chief executive would be then transferred to an existing senior director.

The proposition has not been warmly received by the Labour factions in Harrow however.

Councillor David Perry, leader of the Labour Group, said: "Removing the chief executive at such a turbulent time is not in the best interests of Harrow Council. We find ourselves six months away from an election and this decision is being rushed through without proper consultation on the proposals.

"Susan Hall and the conservatives are destabilising the council and playing political games yet again. On one hand they are scrapping free parking for local businesses and on the other hand wasting taxpayers money on what we all know will be an expensive decision on removing the chief executive from his post without clear reason."

Independent Labour leader Thaya Idaikkadar said: "It is a diabolical time to do it with elections coming up. It is just not the right time do this.

"Susan has no mandate to do this and the way it has been done – it is like putting an elephant into a china shop."

It would not be the first time a council has removed the role. Salford, Wiltshire and the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead already operate without a chief executive, and other authorities share one chief executive over multiple councils.

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