SLOUGH Borough Council will not be searching for a new chief executive until at least the New Year, The Observer has learnt.

The interim chief executive, Roger Parkin, is to remain in his current capacity following his unsuccessful bid for the permanent post. Mr Parkin had been recommended by a council committee to become the permanent chief executive following a lengthy recruitment process.

However, in a private full council meeting on Tuesday of last week, councillors decided not to appoint him, meaning the long recruitment process must begin all over again.

The newly elected leader of the council, Cllr James Swindlehurst, said in an email to council staff: “I know many of you have been wondering about what has been happening following the council meeting on Tuesday evening.

“Roger has very kindly agreed to stay with the council as the interim chief executive for the time being and I, personally, am very grateful for his loyalty and dedication to the organisation and to all of you.

“We will be starting a new search for a permanent chief executive and I apologise for not being able to give you more clarity about this right now. However, I will update you as soon as I can.

“I am proud to have been elected as leader of the council, and one of the first things I want to do is bring some stability, and a fresh and positive start, following the political issues of the past months.”

Mr Parkin was accused by the current deputy leader of the council, Cllr Sabia Hussain, of bullying behaviour towards colleagues and members of the public, which may have lead to his job application being refused. The leader of the Tories, Cllr Wayne Strutton, had also claimed that the result of the recruitment process was ‘predetermined’.

Mr Parkin has never commented on the claims.

Meanwhile, the new leader of the council has outlined the responsibilities of each member of the newly formed cabinet.

Only one councillor, Cllr Mohammad Nazir, remains from the former cabinet lead by Cllr Sohail Munawar, who resigned before a vote of no confidence last week. The new cabinet, lead by Cllr James Swindlehurst, has seen their portfolios overhauled. The new roles and responsibilities will be formally approved in a cabinet meeting on December 18.

The new cabinet members are: Cllr James Swindlehurst, leader and cabinet member for regeneration and strategy.

He is responsible for the council’s financial strategy, external relations, human resources, and will work with Heathrow concerning the proposed third runway.

Cllr Sabia Hussain, deputy leader, is the member for digital transformation and performance. She is responsible for customer services, benefits and council tax, performance management, and working with residents through consultations.

Former leader Cllr Rob Anderson is member for environment and leisure; Cllr Mohammed Nazir continues as the cabinet member for finance and housing; Cllr Natasa Pantelic is cabinet member for health and social care; Cllr Martin Carter is cabinet member for planning and transport; Cllr Shabnum Sadiq is member for children and education while Cllr Pavitar Mann takes up regulation and consumer protection.