Chief Executive moves on: "A committed officer who will be missed" say Liberal Democrat Councillors

5.04.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 2nd Jul 2009

After weeks of speculation in the local and national press, the Council has finally admitted that Martin Smith has left his post as Chief Executive of Tower Hamlets Council. No reasons have been given by the Labour leadership. He will receive a substantial compensation package which will be funded through the Council's reserves.

Liberal Democrat councillors have been calling for the Council leadership to explain the absence of Mr Smith who was described as being on extended "annual leave" for some weeks.

Councillor Stephanie Eaton, Leader of the Liberal Democrat group paid tribute to Martin Smith saying "Martin was an exemplary Chief Executive. He understood the needs of our community, and worked hard to improve services to residents of the Borough. Martin will be proud of the work he did in Tower Hamlets as Chief Executive. His commitment, integrity and competence were obvious to all who worked with him."

Like many members of the community, Liberal Democrat Councillors were shocked to hear the rumours that Martin Smith would be leaving the authority. Now that this has been confirmed we are calling on the Labour Leader of the Council, Lutfur Rahman to explain the reasons for Mr Smith's departure. The Council's statement makes it clear that there were no problems in relation to Mr Smith's performance in his job speaking only of the need for "a fresh start". Indeed, the Council leader says "Martin Smith has worked with great dedication, commitment and integrity during his time at Tower Hamlets".

So, we ask the Leader "Why has Martin Smith left his post as Chief Executive? Who suggested the Council needed "a fresh start"? What aspect of Council service delivery requires "a fresh start"?

ENDS

The full statement from the Council is printed below:

CHIEF EXECUTIVE MOVES ON

Tower Hamlets Council has announced that Martin Smith, its chief executive since 2007, is moving on from his post with the Council.

Mr Smith said, "Tower Hamlets is an incredible place - the most vibrant, diverse and exciting part of London, and I have spent seven equally incredible and rewarding years working for the Council. It has been a great privilege to have been Chief Executive.

The Council is fortunate to have the very best staff in the whole of local government - passionate about the borough and committed to delivering excellent public services. That's why we have been consistently judged to be a high performing organisation and why we have such an unrivalled track record of improvement. It's been a real privilege to work with so many talented and principled people.

Tower Hamlets is also fortunate in having many Councillors who work tirelessly and selflessly for the whole borough. I have enjoyed working with successive Leaders of the Council and members from across the political spectrum to develop, scrutinise and challenge policy and performance.

When I joined Tower Hamlets in 2002 I told the interview panel that my motivation was to make a difference to the lives of residents. I hope I have been able to do that. I am particularly proud to leave the council with every service judged by the Audit Commission to be 'performing strongly' or 'performing well', with our partnership working described as exceptional, with staff morale at an all time high, and with the Council's finances in a strong position.

I wish the Council and staff continued success in the future."

Leader of the Council, Councillor Lutfur Rahman, said "Martin Smith has worked with great dedication, commitment and integrity during his time at Tower Hamlets. He has championed the Council's core values of achieving results, valuing diversity, engaging with others, and learning effectively in all he has done.

The communities of Tower Hamlets and future direction of the organisation now require a fresh approach to deliver the Council's priorities around Housing, Education, Tackling Worklessness and Creating a Safe and Cleaner borough for everyone. We have therefore agreed that now would be an appropriate time for him to move on. I wish him well for the future."