Wyre chief executive to retire

Garry Payne will leave his post in March 2023 after more than 36 years of working in local government.

Wyre Council is the sixth local authority Payne has worked for since he began his public service career in 1986. He has worked at Bolton Council, Wigan Council, South Ribble Council, Knowsley Council, and Wirral Council as well.

Payne joined Wyre Council in 2006 as the head of planning services. Two years later, he was promoted to director of planning and regeneration. He became chief executive of the Lancashire council in 2011.

Payne described choosing to retire as “the most difficult decision” he had made in his career.

“It has been an honour and a privilege to serve as chief executive at Wyre, working with superb staff, supportive members and dynamic partners,” Payne said.

Wyre Council leader Cllr David Henderson thanks Payne for his service.

“Being a born Yorkshire man myself, I know he will enjoy his retirement and being able to spend more time in his adopted home county of North Yorkshire,” Henderson said. “I wish Garry all the best for the future.”