Ahead of the arrival of new permanent Chief Executive Kath O’Dwyer on Monday 9th March, St Helens Council’s Interim Chief Executive Harry Catherall last night attended his final full council meeting.

Harry has helped the Labour Council to make significant progress in his short tenure, and the work he has done will have a lasting impact.

Speaking at last night’s full council meeting, Council Leader David Baines said: “This is the last full council meeting at which Harry Catherall will be present. I want to thank him for his hard work during his time as Interim Chief Executive.

When he was appointed I told him I didn’t want the council to stand still, and that my Group and I needed his help to drive through change. He’s certainly helped us to deliver.

In his time we’ve had a senior management restructure, made several new permanent senior appointments, made significant progress with Parkside, continued work on a new council plan and priorities, significantly progressed discussions with a regeneration delivery partner, set up the Town Deal Board, a new Growth Board, and of course the paper before us tonight – the Budget for 2020/21.

Thank you Harry, and we wish you well as you return to the retirement you so kindly interrupted for us.”