The newly-appointed Chief Operating Officer for Liverpool has set out her ambitions for the city and said she is determined to deliver its improvement plan.
Jacqui McKinlay was appointed last November but began her work in January.
The role involves her overseeing the day-to-day operations of the council, as a result of then Local Government Secretary Robert Jenrick appointing independent commissioners to oversee Liverpool City Council last summer.
In a Mayoral & Performance Select Committee meeting Ms Mckinlay said that, along with her overseeing a new Strategic Improvement Plan, one of her specific responsibilities is to focus on equality within the council.
She said: “(There is) really great activity, but fragmented around the council.”
She also said: “I have a responsibility against violence women and girls.”
Regarding the decision to appoint independent commissioners to oversee the city, Mr Jenrick said last June: “The decision to intervene is not one I have taken lightly, and it reflects the severity of the failings at Liverpool City Council.”
This came after an independent report discovered a serious failure of mismanagement, which included failures of governance, a lack of scrutiny, and a culture of intimidation within the council.
Mr Jenrick added: “A major change is required to give this great city the civic leadership it deserves and the credibility and respect required to attract investment.”
When speaking about the council’s Strategic Improvement programme, Ms McKinlay said: “This is the first time in a long time that the council has had a corporate plan.”
She added: “This year will be a good plan, the one next year will be excellent.”
