Home » Caerphilly Council’s chief executive leaves with six-figure payoff deal
Caerphilly Politics South Wales

Caerphilly Council’s chief executive leaves with six-figure payoff deal

Caerphilly County Borough Council offices (Pic: LDRS)

CHRISTINA Harrhy has left her chief executive role at Caerphilly County Borough Council following a secret meeting of councillors on Monday, when a six-figure settlement deal was reportedly agreed.

The council confirmed Ms Harrhy’s departure but would not divulge further details of what was said during behind-closed-doors discussions.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) understands a majority of councillors present voted in favour of a settlement worth £209,000 rather than pursue a lengthy, costlier formal investigation or arbitration process.

Councillors were warned at Monday’s meeting to not discuss the matters with the press, but the LDRS understands Ms Harrhy was not present.

Cllr Sean Morgan – who leads the local authority – reportedly left the meeting after declaring an interest in the matters being discussed.

Ms Harrhy has been absent from the chief executive role for several months, with her deputy – Dave Street – filling in during council and committee meetings and as the returning officer during May’s police and crime commissioner elections.

A council spokesman confirmed Mr Street will now “act as interim chief executive while the Council considers the next steps” in terms of appointing a permanent replacement for Ms Harrhy.

Chief executive roles are among the most influential and highly-paid public sector positions in Wales.

Caerphilly Council’s pay policy for the 2024/25 financial year shows the role at the authority currently has a spot salary of £153,111.

Author