Caerphilly Council appoints acting chief executive in wake of pay scandal

Caerphilly County Borough councillors have appointed Nigel Barnett as acting chief executive of the local authority.

The appointment of Mr Barnett, the council’s deputy chief executive, was agreed at a meeting of full council on Tuesday March 12.

The move follows the recent suspension of Anthony O’Sullivan who stepped aside after a damning report by the Wales Audit Office was published. The report, published last week, deemed a council decision to award huge pay rises to Mr O’Sullivan and other top council bosses “unlawful”.

Following its publication Gwent Police referred the report to Avon and Somerset Police believing there were ground for further investigation. As a result, Mr O’Sullivan was suspended.

Council leader Harry Andrews said: “I am pleased that we have agreed and implemented strong interim management arrangements to lead the authority after the disruption of the last few months.

“We have taken decisive action to ensure that the controversy around Senior Pay can be fully investigated and would like to assure everyone that this will be a thorough and rigorous process.

“We recognise that the council’s reputation has been damaged by this issue, however, I want to send a clear message to the people of the county borough that we are an efficient and effective organisation committed to protecting services and delivering real benefits for the whole community.

“Our main objective is to get the council back on track and continue on our steady course during these difficult economic times.”