Brent chief exec to quit after row with council leader (From Harrow Times)

Brent Council chief executive Gareth Daniel to quit after row with council leader Muhammed Butt

5:04pm Friday 7th September 2012 in News By David Hardiman, Reporter

Gareth Daniel has been the council's chief executive for 14 years.

Brent Council’s chief executive is to leave his post “imminently” after a reported breakdown in his relationship with the council leader.

An email sent out to council employees by the council leader Muhammed Butt, and seen by the Harrow Times , announced that chief executive Gareth Daniel would leave the borough after 26 years of service, 14 of those at the head of the service.

It is believed the two men have fallen out over a series of disagreements since Cllr Butt was elected as leader of the council in May, and held a meeting on Friday where they agreed that their relationship was no longer workable.

The email, sent to staff earlier this afternoon, said: “It is with regret that we write to inform you that Brent’s Chief Executive, Gareth Daniel is to leave the council imminently.

“Gareth has worked for Brent for 26 years including 14 years as Chief Executive. In that time he led the council through an enormous amount of positive change and was the driving force behind the council’s decision to build a new Civic Centre in Wembley.

“He is a highly respected senior officer across London and beyond and will be greatly missed by the organisation and its partners.”

“We all know that change can be unsettling. However, we want to reassure you that we will do all we can to ensure that the council continues to provide the vital services that our residents depend on.

“We are also confident that you will support us in achieving this in the months and years ahead.”

The email added that the council would now start to recruit a new chief executive in the coming months, and would appoint an external temporary replacement in the next few weeks.

Cllr Butt declined to comment when contacted by the Harrow Times .