CARLISLE City Council is exploring the possibility of sharing its Chief Executive with Eden Council – but the suggestion was this week overshadowed by a bitter political row.

Eden Conservatives have launched a scathing attack on their council’s Liberal Democrat Leader, suggesting that a deal over chief executive sharing had already been done.

Yet on Tuesday evening, Carlisle City Council’s Leader – Conservative John Mallinson – made it clear that no such deal had been finalised.

The issue has blown up just weeks after Eden Council’s Chief Executive Rose Rouse left her post, saying she was taking a break from her local government career to help her family business grow.

Addressing fellow Carlisle councillors on Tuesday, Councillor Mallinson said: “I have spoken to many of you – either via your group leader or directly - about the position in Eden District Council.

Members will be aware that Eden District Council recently lost its Chief Executive officer.

“I have been involved in discussions with the leadership at Eden about the possibility of sharing our Chief Executive officer with them.

“Discussions have not yet reached the point where I can say much other than should this be firmed up I will keep you informed; and of course as per the constitution I give the guarantee that the ultimate decision will be a matter for the full council to determine.

Despite that assurance and constitutional arrangements at Eden requiring any arrangement to be sanctioned by councillors, Eden Conservatives have attacked their authority’s Liberal Democrat Leader Virginia Taylor, saying they would lodge a vote of no confidence.

Council insiders say the Conservative Group’s statement contains inaccuracies - including the claim that agreement had been reached over sharing the services of Carlisle City Council’s Chief Executive.

The idea is due to be considered by Eden councillors and officials in a week’s time.

Eden Conservatives have also expressed unhappiness at an alleged lack of information surrounding the departure of Rose Rouse, though The Cumberland News has learned that this was the subject of a legal confidentiality agreement.

When her departure was announced in August, Mrs Rouse said: “It has been a pleasure to work in Eden and I have really enjoyed working with businesses, communities and partners across the county.

“I couldn’t be more proud of the staff at Eden Council, who have done a fantastic job providing services and critical support to businesses and communities in Eden during the Covid-19 situation.”

Dr Taylor thanked Mrs Rouse for her work.

A spokesman for the authority said Mrs Rouse would take a short break from local government to grow her family’s business. She was appointed as chief executive in July 2018. Before joining Eden, she was corporate director at Worcester City Council.

The Eden Conservatives statement on the chief executive sharing issue attacked Dr Taylor’s style of leadership - at the head of a ‘rainbow coalition’ that includes Lib Dem, Labour, Green and independent members.

The statement was circulated by Councillor Debra Wicks, who represents Greystoke and leads the Conservatives on Eden District Council.

She claimed in her group’s statement that the proposal to share a chief executive with Carlisle City Council would see Eden “annexed” by its neighbouring authority - yet any such sharing arrangement could only happen if it were to be approved by Eden councillors first.