Key questions have been raised over the departure of the Chief Executive and the lack of transparency and compliance with governance over Martin Whiteley’s sudden disappearance and the appointment of interims by the Mayor with no consultation.
Last week Councillor Lewis Herbert, Labour leader of Cambridge City Council and Councillor Bridget Smith, Lib Dem leader of South Cambs District Council felt compelled to call for an independent review of the Combined Authority to include Delivery Objectives for 2018/2019, Governance, Top to Bottom Staffing, Operations and Project Delivery.
Given the Major’s previous fastidious approach to transparency and governance surrounding the Greater Cambridge Greater Peterborough Enterprise Partnership, it is imperative that the same level of focus and scrutiny is applied to the new arrangements.
John Bridge OBE DL, Chief Executive of Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce, said: “We are writing to James Brockenshire, Secretary of State for MHCLG to raise our significant concerns into the new Business Board governance arrangements and requesting a full independent public inquiry into this and other key issues as demanded by Board members of the Combined Authority.”
In order to ensure compliance with Government guidelines and the receipt of the very necessary investment into our area it is imperative that a full inquiry is instigated without any delay.