A NEW chief executive will be recruited to manage Southampton City Council when the current holder's contract expires in March.

Councillors voted not to renew John Cairns' contract at a meeting behind closed doors.

At the corporate committee meeting members were told they could opt not to appoint a chief executive at all - and instead share the role between five directors.

But they decided they would retain the current post and agreed to spend £40,000 finding Mr Cairns' successor.

Up to £13,000 will be spent on advertising the post, £4,000 will be spent on advisers, expenses - including relocation - will amount to £22,500 and a further £500 on recruitment packs.

Conservative councillor John Hannides said they should consider spending more than the recommended top rate of £114,000 to find the right person for the important role.

"If we need to go higher to ensure that we bring the right person to Southampton then we should do it," he said.

Mr Hannides added that a member of the business community should be brought in to advise on the appointment.

A Liberal Democrat amendment to establish "clear arrangements for performance appraisal'' and to review the current job description were backed by the committee.

The new post will be offered on an open-ended contract and will not have a fixed term.

Under the terms of Mr Cairns' five-year contract, the council will have to pay up to £500,000 when he leaves. He will receive a cash payment of £140,000 and an annual pension of £46,500.

Labour leader councillor June Bridle said the council needed a dynamic chief executive and dismissed any idea of dispensing with the post.

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