Warren Bradley: Culture chief must go

Aug 21 2007 by Nick Coligan, Liverpool Echo

Council Leader Warren Bradley with Jason Harborow in the background _320

STRICTLY PRIVATE & CONFIDENTIAL

Dear Colin,

Having been mandated by the ruling group on the city council, I am requesting that prior to your departure on leave today, that Jason Harborow is relieved of his duties as both CEX [chief executive] of Liverpool Culture Company, but also as ED CMS [executive director of culture, media and sport].

This will remove the stress that Jason must be feeling at this time, whilst allowing for an unfettered independent investigation.

As agreed yesterday, Ben Dolan should be installed as the interim manager to oversee the full operation of Liverpool Culture Company.

Whilst Chris Briggs should be appointed to lead on CMS [culture, media and sport], with Stuart Smith regaining the ED [executive director] responsibility.

This cannot be seen as a rash decision in the press, and must be handled carefully, but with the public swell of opinion and the fact that Lee Forde has been placed on “gardening leave”, I believe this mandate from the ruling group would be seen as a levelled sensible response, until the independent investigation has been concluded.

I take absolutely no satisfaction in requesting this, but as leader of the council, I have a responsibility to be seen to be strong, whilst being fair and honest.

I have taken, extremely unfairly, the brunt of the criticism, and am now requesting this decisive move prior to your leave.

In conclusion, nothing short of my request will be deemed acceptable.

Regards,

Warren

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