Three top applicants applied for the job but it seems none of them came up to standard for Thurrock Councillors.
Cllr Garry Hague, Leader of the Council, said afterwards: “This is a demanding job and we were all clear that we wanted an exceptional person to fill the post.
“We went through a very vigorous interview procedure, but when we started the process we all agreed we were looking for a chief executive with exceptional leadership qualities to bring the changes we require, but someone who can also make tough decisions and is willing to roll their sleeves up and ‘get stuck in’.”
He said: “We saw some extremely talented people, however their experience and qualities were not exactly what we required.
“It is extremely important that we get the right person for this job and in the circumstances, we will not be re-advertising for at least a few months.
“We have a superb interim chief executive in Bob Coomber(pictured) who is willing to stay and work with us and I am confident we can still drive the improvement of Thurrock Council forward.”
