Steve Broomhead to retire
Bringing to a close a 47-year career across local and regional government, academia and the private sector, Warrington Council’s chief executive will step down at the end of June.
Over two terms Broomhead has been Warrington’s chief executive for around 20 years, initially for six years around the turn of the century, and then from June 2012.
He also served as chief executive of the Northwest Regional Development Agency between 2003 and the end of 2010, as the newly-formed coalition government led by David Cameron began to wind down the RDAs.
Among his other boardroom roles was a spell as chairman of the Warrington Wolves rugby league club.
Cllr Hans Mundry, Leader of Warrington Council, said: “Steven has been an outstanding servant to the council and to Warrington as a whole. He has helped to make Warrington one of the most business-friendly councils in the country, supporting our town’s strong growth and regeneration agenda.
“He has also provided tireless support to our people and community services, offering support to those on the front line who deliver the day-to-day services our residents need and expect.
“This was particularly evident during the height of the Covid pandemic, when Steven was an ever-present throughout, providing practical and meaningful support to services across the council.”
The incoming chief executive will take over an organisation with questions to answer with Whitehall, Warrington having failed a best value inspection earlier this month.
A government review had concluded that the council’s “aggressive commercial programme” has left it in a “precarious” financial position, with £1.9bn debt.
Investment in trophy real estate assets has been a feature of the council’s strategy, such as at New Bailey in Salford and more locally, Birchwood Park – for which a sale is now being considered, as reported by Place at the start of May. Warrington bought the park for £200m in 2017.
Broomhead was awarded an MBE in 2020 following his leadership and chairmanship of the National Libraries Taskforce.
Cllr Mundry continued: “I know his decision to retire is something he has been considering for some time. I am pleased that Steven will begin to put in place the right foundations as part of our improvement plan following the recent best value inspection outcome, before taking his well-earned retirement.
“We will miss his partnership-oriented approach, his focus on delivery and outcomes, his leadership, and his steadfast commitment to improving the lives of local people.”
Broomhead said: “I have enjoyed my various roles throughout my career, and have always been driven by principles of sustainable development, social justice and social value.
“Warrington Borough Council has many achievements past and present. The council has supported our town to be a good place to live, have a successful economy, have good community cohesion, and achieve consistently high educational attainment. We have also proudly worked with, and indeed continue to work with, partners across the town, with the shared vision of supporting positive outcomes for our residents and communities.
“We can do more, and deliver better outcomes, when we work together. In that respect, I thank all those who I have worked with over the years.”
