John Metcalfe, Isle of Wight council’s Chief Executive is leaving to take a job at Cumbria County Council (CCC), News OnTheWight has just heard.
The job offer is subject to ratification by its CCC meeting tonight (Thursday), but Mr Metcalfe told IWC staff this morning, about the move.
He said,
“I hope you will feel that I leave the council in a better place than when I started in my role as Chief Executive. In saying that I want to pay tribute to the many wonderful officers that we have working here, without them nothing would have been possible.
“They are nothing short of amazing and I hope that you will continue to cherish and nurture them as I have tried to do over the last six years.
“They are the agents of change that can keep the council moving forward overcoming its challenges and making the most of its opportunities to improve the overall wellbeing of the Island’s community.”
Leader: He hasn’t just been my rock, he’s been my mountain
Council leader, Cllr Lora Peacey Wilcox, said John had been a dedicated servant to the council. She said,
“As chief executive and with his outstanding support, the council is more sustainable and innovative than ever it has been, and is well placed to take advantage of the opportunities ahead to improve the quality of life for Islanders.
“I am grateful for all of John’s work in the time I have been leader and have valued all of his support and guidance to me and my colleagues, he hasn’t just been my rock, he’s been my mountain.
“As a result, we now have a clear corporate plan that sets out what we aim to achieve over the life of this council and we will shortly agree another balanced budget and medium term financial plan to deliver on our wider aspirations.”
Long career at IWC
Metcalfe has held a variety of positions with Isle of Wight council over the last 25 years, working his way up from leisure centre manager to the top role in the council.
Highest paid officer
As you might imagine for someone being at the top of the tree, as reported by News OnTheWight in April 2021, John Metcalfe as Chief Executive is the highest paid officer at the council, earning £132,358 pa plus £250 (marked as other). His pension of £31,104 pa took the annual package to £163,712.
IWC say,
“A detailed announcement will be made shortly regarding management of the council.”
Wendy Perera has been Assistant Chief Executive since 2018.
Queried last after election
Just after the Isle of Wight council election in May 2021, News OnTheWight wrote to the council to ask if/when John Metcalfe would be resigning. We said:
“Some CX move on when there’s a change of party/group leading the council.
“Does the CX have any intention of leaving IW council in the next year?”
No sensible answer was given by the council’s press office.
Article edit
11.05am 10th Feb 2022 – Links to WP info added. Reference to Q asked after election added. JM salary added
