Richmond upon Thames and Wandsworth councils’ Chief Executive Mike Jackson has announced that he will be leaving in the autmn after less than two years in the job, due to ‘personal family reasons’.

The leaders of both councils praised Mr Jackson for the work he has led as chief executive, including helping many residents struggling more than ever before with the cost-of-living crisis, overseeing major investment in infrastructure and delivering environmental projects.

The Richmond upon Thames Lib Dem Council Leader said: “Mike has brought steady and experienced leadership to the council. The world is a fast-changing place – our residents are experiencing greater challenges and uncertainties than ever before, as is the council……… With Mike at the helm, we have made real progress in developing new and innovative ways for Richmond to tackle some of the intrinsic challenges our society faces, and for how we approach our local priorities, particularly the vision for the future of Richmond town centre……”

The Labour leader of Wandsworth said: “Under Mike Jackson’s leadership, we have maintained the lowest council tax and crime rate in inner London and doubled our investment in roads and pavements. Mike has been crucial in supporting the most vulnerable, focusing on delivering 1,000 new council homes, and leading our environmental initiatives.”

Without wishing to disrespect his personal family reasons, it is a somewhat cliched phrase which can cover many causes. One has to wonder about the stresses caused by serving two masters with rather different agendas.