Birmingham Council Appoints New Lead Commissioner Retaining Nottingham Role

Tony McArdle has been appointed as the new lead commissioner for Birmingham City Council, succeeding Max Caller, while also retaining his role as lead commissioner for Nottingham City Council. McArdle is expected to scale back his involvement in Nottingham as Birmingham remains in special measures and faces a challenging recovery, including ongoing issues like a waste services dispute. Max Caller retired after helping Birmingham develop a stable financial plan and progress on key issues such as equal pay and IT system improvements. Meanwhile, Dudley Council was issued a non-statutory Best Value Notice by the government, requiring it to demonstrate ongoing improvements and financial stability, with the threat of government-appointed commissioners if progress is not sustained. Council leader Patrick Harley expressed confidence in Dudley's recovery, highlighting a balanced budget and new senior management. Separately, Stephen Atkinson, leader of Lancashire County Council and Reform UK, has taken on a national role as leader of the Reform group on the Local Government Association, advocating against local government reorganisation and a directly-elected mayor in Lancashire.