John Metcalfe's Isle of Wight Council departure reactions

John Metcalfe is saying goodbye to the Island and moving to Cumbria County Council, to become its new chief executive, with the move being finalised today (Thursday).

Mr Metcalfe will be thrown in at the deep end. The Cumbrian authority is to be abolished by April 2023. Due to its size, it is to be split in two but Cumbria County Council is fighting the plan via a judicial review.

Mr Metcalfe is expected to earn £170,000 per annum.

Cumbria County Council recently approved a pay rise for its top officer, from £152,670. At the Isle of Wight Council, Mr Metcalfe earns £132,358.

He joined County Hall in 1997, as head of community development. In recent years, he has overseen the council's response to Covid-19.

• Read more: Isle of Wight Council's chief executive John Metcalfe to leave

An announcement on the management of Isle of Wight Council is due shortly.

Reacting to Mr Metcalfe's departure,  Cllr Geoff Brodie said: "As the current council chair, as an occasional committee chair and as a longstanding, opposition councillor, John Metcalfe has always been helpful, supportive and prepared to go a little further for me.

"He was also quite clearly dedicated to the Isle of Wight. I am delighted for him that he has secured this new opportunity."

Cllr Richard Quigley said: "John has been with the council for 25 years and put a lot of effort into managing an ever increasingly difficult situation, in relation to local authority funding and service provision.

"I have had some great debates with John since May, on topics from regenerative farming, to energy and community wealth building and John’s credit, he has always listened and changed his approach. I wish him and his family well for the future."

Cllr Andrew Garratt said: "My congratulations go to John on his new appointment and gratitude for his service to the council and to the Isle of Wight community. This is particularly so for his steady leadership during the Covid pandemic which he did with great commitment and professionalism.

"My closest working with John was during my time as corporate scrutiny committee chair. In our meetings about the committee’s business, he provided the right balance of support and challenge, doing both in a typically courteous and good-humoured way."

Cllr Joe Robertson, leader of the Conservatives at County Hall, said: "I wish John all the very best for the future. I feel sure that the new local authority in Cumbria will greatly benefit from his knowledge and expertise gathered from 25 years at the Isle of Wight Council.

"He has worked with different administrations during his time as chief executive and he leaves the council in a better place than when he started. John will always be held in high regard on the Island.”

Cllr Lora Peacey-Wilcox, leader of the council, said: "As chief executive and with his outstanding support, the council is more sustainable and innovative than ever it has been, and is well placed to take advantage of the opportunities ahead to improve the quality of life for Islanders.

"I am grateful for all of John’s work in the time I have been leader and have valued all of his support and guidance to me and my colleagues, he hasn’t just been my rock, he's been my mountain."