Cornwall Council leader faces criticism over senior staff departures

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 4 Nov, 14:26 · Archive

Cornwall Council's leader has been criticised over the departure of three senior officers and an absence at a subsidiary company.

Cornwall Council faced the departure of three senior officers within weeks, prompting an extraordinary full council meeting on 3 November. Kate Kennally resigned as chief executive in October after a month's leave of absence, ending a ten-year tenure. Her wife, Rachael Rothero, who worked at the council as service director for people commissioning, then resigned. The following week saw the departure of chief financial officer Annabel Scholes, who had been in the role for just six months. The council has now lost three CFOs since 2024.

The meeting heard that Neil Edmond, chief executive of Corserv—the group of companies that delivers highways, transport, aviation and care services on the council's behalf—is also absent from his position. Independent councillor Andrew Mitchell raised the absence at the meeting.

The council confirmed interim appointments of Andy Keeling as interim chief executive and Lisa Kitto as interim chief financial officer. Mr Keeling had been serving as interim deputy CEO since Ms Kennally's absence began in September.

How it is being reported

• Council leader accused of 'total b******s' over response to another top job absenceIt comes on top of recent upheaval among the senior leadership at Cornwall Council.Falmouth Packet · 4 Nov, 13:31
• Cornwall Council leader accused of 'total b******s' over another top job absenceAfter the resignation of three senior officers including the council's CEO, now the chief executive of its group of companies is 'also off on long-term sick or has left'CornwallLive · 4 Nov, 13:12

In this story: Kate Kennally · Rachael Rothero · Annabel Scholes · Neil Edmond · Andy Keeling · Lisa Kitto · Cornwall Council · Corserv

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