Ex-Wolverhampton Council boss Keith Ireland nets nearly £300k for four months work
The former boss of Wolverhampton Council was paid nearly £300,000 for four months work in his most recent role.
Keith Ireland quit his £177,000-a-year post as managing director of Wolverhampton Council last August to take over as chief executive of Lincolnshire County Council.
His tenure there lasted just three months after a "difference of opinion" with council leader Martin Hill.
However, according to the authority's statement of accounts, Mr Ireland was paid £292,263 for his efforts at the helm of the Conservative-controlled authority.
His pay package was made up of his agreed salary, £975 in outplacement services, £8,901 holiday pay, £14,637 in employer's pension contribution and an undisclosed compensation payment.
His annual salary was thought to be around £178,500.
Mr Ireland stepped down from the council in November 2018, with Mr Hill saying: "During Keith's time with the council, it became clear that there was a difference of opinion on a number of important issues, and we both decided that a parting of ways was for the best."
He was appointed OBE in the Queen's New Year honours for his work during a four year stint as boss in Wolverhampton, during which time he was credited with improving the authority's performance and reputation.
His departure was shrouded in controversy after then Council leader Roger Lawrence claimed turmoil within the council's ruling Labour group played a part in his decision.
Mr Ireland has neither officially confirmed nor denied the claim.
Earlier this year he took over as interim assistant chief executive at St Helens Council on Merseyside.
A council spokesman said: “The appointment of Keith Ireland to the position will provide additional capacity to the organisation, as it looks to modernise the way it works."
