I READ with some disbelief the comments last week from Mike Owen, the former Chief Executive of Bury Council.

He stated that he resigned “in order to reduce cost and avoid disruption…irrespective of the outcome of the hearing”. However, it was abundantly clear that his deception, as repeatedly referenced in the reports, was going to mean he’d have to go. It begs the question, why didn’t he just go earlier – perhaps when the suspensions were first issued?

There was even some talk of refusing the resignation and somehow making him stay on, most likely for several months and on full pay. What nonsense! After reading the reports, I’d say the sooner he went, the better. Let’s just hope the Council can learn from this and never repeat his mistakes.

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