Two new assistant interim chief executives appointed at Northampton Borough Council

Marion Goodman and Peter Baguley will take on additional responsibilities while the borough’s chief executive, George Candler, takes on an extra role as interim chief executive of the West Northamptonshire shadow authority.

The shadow authority will become a new unitary council in April next year, replacing the existing councils, and Mr Candler will now be devoting the majority of his time to that project but will remain on the NBC payroll.

Ms Goodman, who is director of customers and communities, and Mr Baguley, who is director of planning and sustainability, will take on their extra responsibilities on July 1.

Borough council leader Councillor Jonathan Nunn said: “Throughout their time with us, Marion and Peter have done an exemplary job in their respective roles, and I have no doubt they’ll apply the same level of care and diligence to their new responsibilities.

“I’ll look forward to working with them both in the coming months as they hold the fort for George while he concentrates on ensuring strong foundations are laid for the launch of West Northamptonshire Council next year.”

It was revealed at a recent shadow council meeting that Mr Candler would not get any extra remuneration for his unitary work on top of his £143,000 per year salary as the borough’s chief executive.

But for Ms Goodman and Mr Baguley – who each earn between £67,000 and £78,000 in their current positions – a council spokesman said there will there will be 'an honorarium for both Marion and Peter of £3,760.50 pro-rata and they are currently anticipated to be in post until December'.

The spokesman added: "As part of the council’s wider approach to developing its own workforce, there will be opportunities for senior staff in their areas to backfill elements of their duties."

Ms Goodman, who has been an employee at the council since 2009, said: “I’m very much looking forward to supporting George and representing the Council and its staff in this interim role.

“I feel very proud and privileged to serve the people of Northampton and would like to thank everyone involved for their faith in me.”

And Mr Baguley, who has been with the council since 2016, added: “I’m really pleased to have been given this chance to work with councillors and colleagues at this key time.

“I am looking forward to the opportunities and challenges ahead of us, which I know we will respond to with energy and innovation.”