Council chief to leave Breckland

BRECKLAND Council chief executive Trevor Holden is leaving to run Luton Borough Council.

The exit of the former RAF wing commander could speed up the creation of one of the most powerful local government jobs in Norfolk.

On Thursday councillors at Luton Borough Council agreed to appoint the 47-year-old father-of-seven as their new chief executive and he is expected to take up his new role by the end of the summer.

Mr Holden - who has been at Breckland for three years - said: “I have enjoyed three fantastic years working at Breckland with a highly committed team of members and staff. My decision to leave has in no way been taken lightly, not least of all because of the friendship, work ethic and professionalism of colleagues. I am also extremely proud to be joining Luton Borough Council at such a pivotal time of positive change for the area.”

Breckland is currently exploring the idea of joining forces with South Norfolk Council to have a single staff.

And, as momentum for the merger increases, it seems certain that one chief executive will be appointed for both councils - creating a very powerful post.

Breckland leader William Nunn said: “This is an exciting and important move for Trevor and we talked for a long time before he reached his decision. He has achieved so much in the three years he has been at Breckland and I know that my fellow members and officers are greatly appreciative of his commitment, professionalism and sheer hard work.

“He will be greatly missed and, although he will be a very hard act to follow, we expect the vacancy to attract considerable attention.”

Mr Nunn added: “Although Trevor's leaving date has not yet been confirmed, I know that he will continue to work in his normal tireless manner to serve the residents of Breckland and support his colleagues throughout his notice period.”

Luton Borough Council is a unitary authority, which serves a largely urban population of around 200,000 people.

Council leader Hazel Simmons said: “Trevor impressed us as an innovator and we are delighted that he will be helping us address the challenges in Luton in the coming years.”

Mr Holden was born in Bracon Ash, near Norwich, and was educated at Wymondham High School.

He started his working career at Lotus Cars before joining the Royal Air Force as an RAF policeman in 1980.

He retired from the RAF in 2004 in order to take up the appointment of director of neighbourhood services with Erewash Borough Council in Derbyshire.

Mr Holden is married to Julie and they have seven children. Outside work and family, he is a keen road runner, chairman of his local Scout Group and a steward of his local church.