Senior local government consultant Max Caller has been called in by Northumberland County Council to review its corporate governance.
Caller, a former chief executive of the London Borough of Barnet, has handled many of the most difficult recent local government investigations, including that of the former Northamptonshire County Council, when it issued a section 114 notice in 2018 due to serious financial failings.
Northumberland refused to comment on why it had asked Caller to examine its governance. However, it follows a period of turmoil, with the then council leader, Peter Jackson, leaving in September 2020 following a no-confidence vote.
A council spokesperson said: “The deputy leader of the council has commissioned [the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives and Senior Managers] to lead an external corporate governance review of the council.
“This follows consultation with both senior officers and group leaders of the opposition parties.
“The purpose of the review is to highlight areas for improvement, and we expect that there will be learning for everyone, and an opportunity for the council to adapt and change the way in which we do business.”
Caller is the lead commissioner imposed by the government on Slough Borough Council following its financial problems. He also led a best value inspection at Liverpool City Council last year.
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