What's Happening?
The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is continuing its search for a new chief executive after failing to find a suitable candidate. The position became vacant following Laura Shoaf's resignation in June. Concerns have been raised regarding the
salary range of £180,000 to £215,000, which is considered insufficient to attract high-caliber candidates. As a result, the salary is expected to be increased, although the new amount has not been disclosed. In the interim, Deputy Chief Executive Ed Cox will continue to lead the authority. The recruitment process is set to restart in January, with the aim of finding a candidate who can effectively manage the authority's responsibilities, including transport and housing decisions.
Why It's Important?
The inability to appoint a new chief executive highlights challenges in attracting top talent to lead regional authorities, which play a crucial role in local governance and development. The WMCA's leadership is vital for implementing policies that affect millions of residents in the West Midlands, including Birmingham and Coventry. The delay in appointing a permanent leader could impact the authority's ability to make timely decisions on key issues. Additionally, the situation underscores broader concerns about public sector salaries and their competitiveness in attracting skilled professionals.
What's Next?
The WMCA plans to launch a new recruitment campaign in January, aiming to attract candidates who can meet the authority's needs. The salary range is expected to be revised to better align with market expectations. Meanwhile, Ed Cox will continue to serve as interim chief executive, ensuring stability during the transition. The authority will need to address the concerns raised about the salary to successfully recruit a leader capable of driving regional development and managing devolved powers effectively.
