There was an outpouring of gushing praise for Isle of Wight Chief Executive, John Metcalfe at Wednesday evening’s Full Council meeting.
As member voted in favour of the Assistant Chief Executive and Director of Strategy, Wendy Perera, becoming Interim Chief Executive, the outgoing CEO, John Metcalfe was left blushing from all the praise heaped on him by Councillors.
Mr Metcalfe will be joining Cumbrian County Council during what is likely to be a difficult period. The Government wants to split the county into two unitary authorities, but the Cumbrian Council yesterday lost their bid for a judicial review.
Before the vote too place, many of the councillors across the chamber took the opportunity to express their thanks to Mr Metcalfe and welcome Ms Perera into the top role.
Jones-Evans: Wendy has a good strategic head on her
Cllr Julie Jones-Evans (Alliance) thanked John for his many years of service to the Isle of Wight council and said she hoped his advances would continue.
She added that Wendy had a served the council a long time and had a good strategic head on her.
Brading: Very supportive and cares about the Island
Cllr Paul Brading (Con) said they were fortunate to “have such a brilliant Chief Executive to work with” when he was in the Cabinet,
“He was very supportive and cares about the Island, as does Wendy and I think she’ll be perfect.”
Dore: Going to be huge asset in Cumbria
Cllr Ian Dore (Alliance) spoke with his Armed Forces Champion hat on and thanked the CEO for supporting the armed forces communities, adding that John’s name often comes up in a positive light.
He was sure John was going to be huge asset in Cumbria.
Quigley: Remained apololitical throughout
Cllr Richard Quigley (Lab) spoke about how officers aren’t allowed to be political, but that he wouldn’t be able to tell John’s politics at all, which he said was testament to how John behaves.
He added that Wendy was a brilliant officer who works very hard.
Garratt: Great memories of your legacy
Cllr Andrew Garratt (LibDem) explained that John’s question to him was always “What is your hypothesis?” during every washup meeting after Corporate Scrutiny met and every meeting before they met again.
“It’s a very good question, I hope you use a lot up in Cumbria and above all I hope you have satisfaction in the job that you’ll be doing and have great memories of the work you have done here on the Isle of Wight and can reflect on it and see some things within that, where’ll you’ll be able to say that is your legacy.”
Stephens: Equal to the large task
Cllr Ian Stephens (Alliance) said John had always been fair, had never shown bias, but showed respect for members and officers.
“To my mind you’ve left a big space here on the Isle of Wight Council, when you move to Cumbria, you’ll have a task on there, but you’ll be equal to that, I have no doubt.”
He added lots of praise for Wendy, an Islander, referring to her as a very talented Officer who would bring continuity.
Ward: Would like to see Wendy keep the crown
Cllr Ian Ward (Con) said it was a sad occasion seeing John going and wished him all the best for the future,
“I’ve seen you go up the ladder and you’ll do a cracking job in Cumbria. You have always been there when I’ve had an issue.”
He added that it was great to see Wendy step up into the interim role, adding that when he was a Cabinet member and she was one of his heads of service, he had asked her why she wasn’t a director, “You tell me,” she had replied.
“It was great to see her in the role as Assistant Chief Exec and now to see her put he crown on, if you like, I particularly would like to see her keep that crown.”
Pitcher: Cumbria are gaining one of our best
Cllr Daryll Pitcher (Vectis Party) said he echoed the words of others around the appointment of Wendy as interim CEO, adding that he remembers being on the interview panel for John.
“I saw him take his first steps on this road and it’s nice to see where it’s taken him. I’ve seen you grow as a person and grown into the role and become a very good Chief Executive and Cumbria are gaining one of our best and I wish you well.”
You can listen to all the tributes by playing the video below
