Lorimer leaves council

John Lorimer, head of capital programmes at Manchester City Council, has retired and might not be replaced, the local authority said.

Lorimer ran a budget of around £300m a year and oversaw procurement of major projects such as the Town Hall Extension and Central Library refurbishment.

A spokesman for the council said there was review underway "of a number of professional and technical services including capital programmes and corporate property. Until that is finished there will be no appointment to any position that might arise after the review."

The spokesman added: "John's vision, leadership and energy have enabled the council to deliver significant programmes of work to a high level of quality, on time and on budget. The recently completed £500m Building Schools for the Future programme of 31 secondary schools will leave a lasting legacy for Manchester citizens."

Lorimer joined Manchester City Council in 2002.