Knowsley Council appoints chief executive from within
James Duncan will take over from Mike Harden on 1 February 2025.
Knowsley Council’s employment and appointments committee voted unanimously to accept the recommendation to appoint Duncan last night. His appointment comes after current chief executive Harden announced his intention to retire earlier this year. He has been chief executive of Knowsley Council since 2014.
Duncan joined Knowsley Council in 2001 as an accountant and has held various positions including head of corporate finance, service director, and borough treasurer.
He has been executive director of resources since 2015 and has been credited with stabilising the council’s finances in response to government cuts, the pandemic, and the cost-of-living crisis.
“I’ve worked in public service my entire career – the majority of it right here in Knowsley,” Duncan said.
“Having spent more than 20 years here already, the place and the people of Knowsley mean a lot to me, and it’s a real privilege to be entrusted to steer this excellent organisation on the next phase of its journey.”
He added: “Knowsley has changed and grown so much in recent times – there have been some incredibly challenging times, but throughout it all we’ve kept a ‘steady ship’, while also supporting residents and investing for the future.
“That’s an approach I want to continue and develop, for the benefit of everyone in this borough.”
Cllr Graham Morgan, leader of Knowsley Council, added: “Having worked with James for many years, I know how passionate he is about Knowsley and about delivering the very best we possibly can for our residents.”
“We have undertaken a thorough recruitment process which attracted high calibre candidates from across the country.
“Having done so, we agreed that the best solution and the best candidate was already here.”
He continued: “James not only understands Knowsley and has already given many years of service but also has outstanding integrity, leadership skills and a genuine belief in the transformative power of public services.”
Knowsley has proved with a business friendly approach you can attract investment and jobs even though it has its negative side. It terms of residential provision the Borough is proactive and attracts developers and new residents.
Considering it has 4 main centres Huyton, Kirkby, Halewood, and Prescot the council maintains its focus.
By Anonymous