Damian Roberts, the Chief Executive of Surrey Heath Borough Council (SHBC), has announced plans to leave, less than a year after the Liberal Democrats took control of the Council.
Damian first joined SHBC at a time when no party was in overall control, with Cllr Alan McClafferty acting as the Council's Leader with a minority Conservative administration. Together, Damian and Alan made a positive difference for residents, overcoming the pandemic and putting SHBC on a stable financial footing following difficult economic challenges.
Damian is set to take up a new role as the Chief Executive of Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, pending formal approval by the local Kent Councillors.
This announcement comes at a time when Surrey Heath, under its new Liberal Democrat leadership, is navigating through what many insiders describe as a turbulent period. The departure of a high-calibre CEO like Roberts, after having a successful working relationship with the previous Conservative Cabinet, is raising questions about the internal dynamics and the satisfaction levels of staff and Councillors within SHBC.
Damian, whose career in local government spans several councils, including Epsom and Ewell Borough Council as Chief Operating Officer and senior roles at Waverley, Croydon, and Tower Hamlets councils, is known for his dynamic leadership and commitment to public service. His move to Tonbridge and Malling is seen as a significant gain for the borough.
"I’m absolutely delighted to have been selected to be Tonbridge and Malling’s new chief executive," Damian said, expressing enthusiasm for joining a council with "clear ambitions, well-managed finances, and hugely committed staff."
However, this transition has not only highlighted Damians' career achievements but also cast a dark cloud on the new administration at SHBC. With the Liberal Democrats taking control of the council not long before Damians' departure, there is growing speculation that the change in leadership may have influenced his decision to leave. The reasons behind such a high-profile move remain a subject of conjecture, but it undoubtedly underscores the potential discontent brewing within the ranks of SHBC’s workforce.
Matt Boughton, Conservative Leader of Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, welcomed Damian, praising his "track record of delivering high-quality council services" and his ability to "strengthen our existing expertise."
As Damian prepares to embark on this new chapter, the focus inevitably shifts back to Surrey Heath, where the implications of his departure are still unfolding. A source from within the Council has revealed growing tensions within the Liberal Democrat Group, marked by significant disagreement over the political direction and a noticeable disengagement amongst Lib Dem Councillors in their communities. "The unity and enthusiasm that were hallmarks of their election campaign seem to have dissipated. Promises made to constituents have not been fulfilled, leading to a palpable sense of disillusionment," the source shared. This internal discord suggests deeper issues at play, potentially contributing to Damians' decision to seek a new opportunity.
The Liberal Democrat leadership now faces the critical task of assuring the public and its employees that it remains a stable and conducive environment for its Senior Leadership Team, particularly given how Lib Dem Councillors have already tried to undermine SHBC's Section 151 Officer. Meanwhile, Damians' transition is a testament to the fluid nature of local government careers, where the pursuit of new challenges and environments can often reflect broader trends and tensions within the sector.
