The Isle of Wight Council's chief executive is leaving, after six years at the helm.
John Metcalfe announced to staff and councillors that he would be leaving to take up a position as chief executive of Cumbria County Council, subject to ratification by its Full Council today (Thursday).
The annual salary for the role, as of March 31, 2021, was £152,670. Mr Metcalfe was paid more than £130,000 in his role as council chief on the Island - topping £160,000 including his pension.
Mr Metcalfe joined the Isle of Wight Council in 1997 as head of community development, before taking on the top job in 2015.
He has overseen and led the council's response to the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, while also driving improvements in the organisation and ensuring day to day services and longer-term aims were delivered.
In a heartfelt message to colleagues, he said:
"It has been a pleasure and privilege to work alongside you and to make the difference we all want to see for the Isle of Wight.
"You are an amazing group of officers who consistently give above and beyond for the good of our Island community and the council.
"This is not a path I had ever expected to take, but everything happens for a reason and personally and professionally it is the right thing for me to do now.
"I am excited by the challenges that lie ahead for me in Cumbria but a huge part of my heart will always be with you, willing you on to greater things."
Council Leader, Councillor 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."
A detailed announcement will be made shortly regarding management of the council.
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