Julie Murphy’s appointment as interim chief executive of Rochdale Council has sparked internal questioning within the Rochdale Labour Group raising concerns over a reported five-week delay in escalating serious allegations linked to her department.
Julie Murphy, formerly Director of Corporate Services, was confirmed as interim chief executive in a unanimous vote at a full council meeting this evening, Wednesday 17 December. She also remains responsible for the council’s Legal and Human Resources teams.
According to internal reports, her department waited more than a month before informing Council Leader Cllr Neil Emmott of concerns linked to Binks’ conduct during his previous role at Manchester City Council. Binks has since been suspended.
Multiple Labour councillors questioned the handling of the timeline at a private Rochdale Labour group meeting earlier this week, including whether Murphy’s promotion was linked to the fallout.
A Labour councillor, who asked not to be named, said: “I am unsure how this person has been given the role. Julie is the Director for Legal and HR services. Julie and her senior staff have serious questions that need to be answered over the holding back of the James Binks report for five weeks.”
However, several councillors have expressed support for her leadership, pointing to her long service and local knowledge.
Julie Murphy has worked in the borough since 2001, having held a number of senior roles across the organisation.
A spokesperson for Rochdale Council said, “All necessary due diligence and guidance is completed before any matters are presented to the Leader of the Council, which can take time.”
If she is not seen as impartial in handling the original misconduct report and investigation against Binks, some councillors fear she could, in theory, benefit from the outcome by securing the top job herself.
Council Leader Cllr Neil Emmott has not publicly addressed the concerns raised this week within his own Labour group, but has previously stated the need for continuity and experience in periods of executive transition.
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