Director of place to take over from Broomhead as Warrington CEO

Steve Park will become the council’s interim chief executive from 1 July when Steven Broomhead’s tenure comes to an end.

Park, who recently switched roles from director of growth to director of place, has been selected as Broomhead’s successor for the short term.

An accountant by trade, Park has worked in the public sector for most of his career. He spent six years at Manchester City Council before joining Warrington in 2010.

He was appointed as managing director of Warrington & Co, the council’s development business, in 2012 and held that position up until recently.

Prior to entering the public sector, Park held roles with the Home Office, Mastercard, and Toronto Dominion Bank.

Leader of the council, Cllr Hans Mundry, said: “Steve has a strong track record, a wealth of local government knowledge, and a deep understanding of Warrington and its communities. He is also hugely motivated to make a difference.

“Steve’s skills and experience will be important as we embark on our improvement and transformation journey.”

Broomhead, who has spent 20 years at Warrington Council over two spells, announced his intention to retire in May. 

One of the tasks awaiting Park is the implementation of an improvement plan following the government’s best value inspection triggered by concerns around the council’s £1.9bn debt pile.

Warrington borrowed extensively to fund property investments leaving the council in a “precarious” financial position, the report said.

Meanwhile, in neighbouring Cheshire West and Chester, two Labour councillors have resigned citing concerns about the direction Keir Starmer is taking the party.