Delay over Hardeman successor

Aug 8 2007 By Neil Elkes, Birmingham Mail

CITY Tories will delay naming a replacement for the late council regeneration chief Ken Hardeman until mid-Septmber.

City leader Mike Whitby and his cabinet colleagues have agreed not to appoint a successor to Coun Hardeman, pictured, who died last month, until after his memorial service at St Philip's Cathedral on September 12.

Coun Whitby (Con, Harborne) has taken over responsibility for the regeneration department after returning from holiday this week.

The role had been covered by human resources boss Alan Rudge since Coun Hardeman had been taken ill.

Coun Whitby's chief of staff James North said: "Mike has been taking soundings from his colleagues. It was decided it would not be appropriate to make the appointment until after the memorial service."

He said that Coun Whitby would personally oversee the regeneration portfolio, and, being the traditionally quiet summer months, does not expect to be snowed under.

Meanwhile the Cabinet member for Transport, Coun Len Gregory, is out of hospital following a hip replacement operation.

His portfolio has been covered by housing boss Coun John Lines, but he is now tackling paperwork while recovering at home.