Mark James is staying...

As if things couldn't get any worse, this nauseous press release has just appeared on the council website. The prospect of being refused a gold-plated severance package was clearly too much for Mr James. Or perhaps no one else would give him a job.

Press release from the Leadership of the Council

We are pleased to confirm that following a meeting between the Leadership of the Council
and the Chief Executive, he has agreed to stay on at the Council for the time being.

This is a very challenging time for Councils in Wales as we seek to make huge cuts to our
budgets, whilst trying to maintain services for the people of our County. We are also
uncertain over whether Carmarthenshire will stand alone as a Council in just a few years
time or will be abolished. If ever there was a time when we need a first class, highly
experienced and respected Chief Executive at the helm it is now.

We are therefore delighted that Mark James has agreed to withdraw his application for
severance this year and to remain in post as our Chief Executive for now to help the Council
weather the financial and possible re-organisation storms.

Mark has made such a contribution to our County over the last 13 years, transforming areas
like Carmarthen Town Centre, Llanelli and our South Coast as well as many of our schools
and housing. We know he will continue working for the benefit of our County and leading
our new management team.

Cllr Kevin Madge, Cllr Pam Palmer

Leader of the Council and Deputy Leader of the Council

(Link here)

The toxic culture continues...for now.


(Ruling Labour group announce they will veto a golden handshake  - 7th January)