Former chief exec given green light to bring JR challenge over axing of role

A former local authority chief executive has been given permission to bring a judicial review challenge over the axing of her role by the council’s directly-elected mayor.

Sheila Lock had been refused permission on the papers at the end of November last year to bring the claim against Leicester City Council.

However, she renewed her application and is now reported to have been successful at the subsequent oral hearing.

Ms Lock is also bringing separate proceedings in the Employment Tribunal. A hearing in relation to this part of the litigation is expected later this year.

Sir Peter Soulsby, the mayor, announced plans to remove the chief executive post immediately after he was elected in May last year. He insisted that the move was necessary as part of a costs-saving exercise.

The role was formally abolished at a council meeting in August.

Sir Peter told the Leicester Mercury: "We took very careful legal advice and I'm confident we followed that advice to the letter and made sure all proper processes were in place.

"That was the view of the first judge that heard this case. However, the second judge seems to believe it needs to be explored in court. We'll be explaining our position when the opportunity arises."