One More in the “Where are they now?” Series.

When former Newham Chief Exec left, she posted the following.

She was “proud” of her achievements in delivering, (delivering what? we are tempted to ask) it had been “amazing” and she referenced the “plans” that were in place.

It sounded like a enjoyable if challenging two years.

No mention here of a breakdown in relationships with her boss, of allegations of bullying and racial discrimination. Maybe these were things entirely made up by disgruntled officers and mischievous politicians.

Of course, leaving with a golden parachute costing Newham taxpayers £239,000 helped. Maybe that made up for the distress, if indeed there was any, ‘cos it sounds like Ms Gbago was sorry to leave and went on good terms. But of course, if everything was so blissful why was there an NDA and a massive cash handout?

Those of us who recall the two years that Ms Gbago was in post recall a collapse in the quality of some services, council tax hikes, massive hikes in residential parking charges, treating motorists like they are the council’s personal ATM. They recall the council going to the point of bankruptcy and independent reports noting a breakdown in relationships at all levels creating a toxic environment. We recall the mayor taking her own council to court alleging racial discrimination, and the taxpayers again bailing them out when Newham paid Fiaz’s legal costs.

Now not all of this was the fault of Ms Gbago. Indeed, we would speculate that the greater part of the problem lay with her boss. But as a record of achievement, it is not great. Mere mortals might have been somewhat embarrassed by it.

We noted that Ms Gbago was taking time off for the summer. Now summer is over and we are glad to report that she has a new job, at least an interim one. 

She is currently a consultant at Westminster Council. Our understanding is that she is leading the Transformation agenda.

We offer her our best wishes and good luck to both Westminster Council and Ms Gbago.

But there is a serious point here. If you are lower in the pecking order and your performance is, say, sub-par, you get the sack. If you are higher up you get a cash handout and walk into a consultancy shortly after. This is far from being unique to Newham. It is perhaps something that one of the Westminster parties might like to take a look at.

How many golden goodbyes has the taxpayer financed in the past year to civil servants and local government officers?