Councillors to consider next steps in investigation following Rochdale Council chief executive suspension

Thursday, 8 January 2026 13:04

By David Murphy

Senior councillors are due to meet next week to consider the next stage of an investigation linked to the suspension of Rochdale Council’s chief executive in December.

The Chief Officer Employment Committee will meet on Tuesday, 13th January at Number One Riverside, with an investigation update listed on the agenda.

The meeting follows urgent sessions held on December 12th and December 16th, when councillors re-confirmed the suspension of the chief executive and agreed to progress the appointment of an independent investigator under national procedures.

During the December meeting, members were presented with a report by the Interim Assistant Director for Workforce and Organisational Development, alongside advice from the council’s Monitoring Officer. The chief executive, accompanied by representatives, was also given the opportunity to address the committee before councillors reached their decision.

As part of those discussions, councillors agreed that the suspension would be subject to regular review and that an external investigation should be commissioned.

Interim leadership arrangements have since been put in place. Julie Murphy, the council’s Director of Corporate Services, was appointed as Interim Chief Executive following a recommendation from the committee, which was agreed by full council.

Tuesday’s meeting is expected to focus on progress around the investigation process. A report on the current position is due to be considered by members.

The council has previously said that information will only be released when it is appropriate and lawful to do so.

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