Haringey Chief Executive Retires Early After Damning Report

Andy Donald, chief executive of Haringey Council, has brought forward his planned retirement. His departure from the role of chief executive and head of paid service will occur once an interim replacement is appointed. The decision follows a critical report that highlighted significant issues within the council's housing service.

The council confirmed Mr Donald's stepping down in a statement released on Thursday, November 12. This announcement came a week after the authority declined to comment on his future and approximately two weeks after a report emerged that led to accusations of the previous administration misleading the government's housing regulator. Mr Donald had served as chief executive for five years.

Council Response and Financial Details

In its statement, Haringey Council noted that Mr Donald had led the organisation through a period of significant financial challenges. The council also pointed to improvements, including an 'outstanding' Ofsted rating for children's services and the delivery of thousands of new council homes over the past five years. Mr Donald's salary for the 2025/26 financial year was £235,584, an increase from the previous year. This made him the seventh-highest paid borough council chief executive in London.

Luke Cawley-Harrison, leader of the Liberal Democrat group, thanked Mr Donald for his service, particularly for his role in improving children's services. He also stated that the council's current position was "perilous" and stressed the importance of appointing a new chief executive who could address the council's finances and housing service failings, as highlighted by the Regulator of Social Housing.

Mark Blake, the council leader, also expressed gratitude to Mr Donald for his leadership and support during the transition to the new Green administration. He indicated that the council's next step would be to recruit a new chief executive to guide the organisation through its upcoming phase.

Mr Donald stated in the council's release that it had been "an honour and a privilege" to lead Haringey. He expressed gratitude to staff, partners, and community organisations for their work in supporting the borough.

What Happens Next

Haringey Council will now focus on appointing an interim chief executive to manage the transition. Following this, a process will begin to recruit a permanent successor to Andy Donald, who will be tasked with addressing the council's current challenges, particularly within the housing service.