A councillor has hit out at plans to pay a new chief executive close to £200,000 amid a cost-of-living crisis.
Chloe Goldsmith described the salary as “obscene” after the job advert was released for a permanent candidate to replace interim boss Will Tuckley.
A job advert for the new chief executive role was published on Thursday with Brighton and Hove City Council saying they wanted to attract the “very best candidates”.
Speaking on the advert, Cllr Goldsmith said: “The chief executive salary being offered is far too high. In a cost-of-living crisis, when the council is strapped for cash, it is obscene to be seeking to recruit on a salary that is so much more than what most people in this city earn.
“Greens have always fought for greater pay equity between council employees; this decision from Labour is a step in the wrong direction.
“Greens don’t think the council needs a chief executive. Disappointingly, the Labour leadership have missed an opportunity to explore different models, and instead opted for unnecessary expense and a corporate management model.”
Brighton and Hove City Council said that the role was being advertised internally and externally after Geoff Raw stepped down in May.
Council Leader Bella Sankey said they were looking for a “transformational leader”.
She added: "Our new chief executive will be an exceptional person, somebody with the experience, skills and personality to inspire staff across the organisation and to lead a programme of systemic transformative change.
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"They'll be able to work with our partner agencies and our anchor institutions, as well as to develop a culture of positive industrial relations at the council.
"I truly believe that this role could be one of the most rewarding jobs in local government for the right person.
Applications for the role close in mid-October with full council approval of a new chief executive in mid-December.
Brighton and Hove City Council were approached for comment on the salary being offered.
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