Loss of Senior Officers Raises Questions of Toxic Atmosphere
Questions have been raised by Stirling SNP Councillors regarding the work atmosphere of Stirling Council, following the departure of several high-ranking officials in recent weeks.
Chief Executive Carol Beattie announced her shock resignation before Christmas, intending to remain in post until a successor is found. Ms Beattie had been in post since 2018, overseeing the Council’s response during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Other senior officers to leave the organisation in recent months include a senior planning officer, a communications chief and the head of economic development and culture.
Stirling SNP Councillors remained deeply concerned over the loss of experience and talent the departure of these officers represents, suggesting a crisis of morale in Stirling Council.
Stirling SNP Council Group Leader Councillor Scott Farmer said:
‘We’ve lost a first-class Chief Executive, who performed remarkably in leading her team and the Council during a time of unprecedented crisis. We’ve also lost several other senior officers, with decades of experience amongst them. Serious questions must be asked of the minority-Labour administration and their Tory-backers – just what is going on behind closed doors?
‘The people of Stirling deserve stability and strong performance from their local government, and I fear a toxic atmosphere and poor leadership may be contributing to these staff losses. Our constituents deserve answers.’
Stirling SNP Council Group Finance and Economy Spokesperson Councillor Gerry McLaughlin said:
‘The Council faces a huge budget deficit amidst soaring energy bills and inflation, as well as the lingering impacts of the pandemic – and now important work streams will be disrupted in the search for a new Chief Executive and senior officers to replace those leaving the organisation. These are people of top-rate talent, and their departure really is a loss to everyone who values strong public services.
‘Labour and the Tories’ mismanagement and chaos rolls on, and it’s the people of Stirling and the communities we represent who are suffering for it. Something is deeply wrong, and your SNP Councillors are going to find out what.’