Lambeth council’s director of housing has been ousted after a Liberal Democrat and Conservative coalition took over the borough from Labour at this month’s elections.
A council spokesman told Housing Today that John Broomfield’s dismissal had been “quite straightforward” and that it was felt “a new person would be better for the job”.

It is understood that there were no complaints about Broomfield’s performance, and he was widely credited for his part in bringing the housing benefits service back in-house.

A trade union source at the council said that Broomfield, who held the role for six years, was “seen as being too close to Labour by the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives”.

The source added: “This came as quite a surprise to him and to everyone else. He cleared his desk and was gone by Friday. We are all sorry to see him go, but he has fallen victim to internal politics because his face didn’t fit.”

Stuart Holden is acting director until a permanent appointment is made.

Broomfield could not be contacted for comment.

Source

Housing Today