What the councillors say

Kathy Pollard - Liberal Democrat leader

I and my group will be voting against the ratification of this appointment. How can the Conservatives say they are guardians of the public purse and spend this kind of money on an appointment which is time-limited? As I have previously said, I believe that if they couldn't have obtained a suitable candidate at the previously advertised salary then they should have appointed an interim chief executive.

Sandy Martin - Labour

I cannot see the justification for a £70,000 increase in the salary for the new chief executive at a time when the county council is making cuts (to services) which have a serious impact on the lives of the citizens of our county. It is outrageous that, for instance, the Crabbe Street day-care services for elderly people with dementia are being curtailed when an additional £70,000 per year would

safeguard them for the future. I will be opposing the salary increase.

Richard Kemp - Independent

I think this is an insult to the people in this county having to endure increases in salary of two or three per cent.

It is absolutely clear to me that the people taking this decision are totally out of touch with the people of Suffolk. Hopefully people will exercise their discretion in the vote.

Graham Newman - Conservative

I can confirm my intention to make a vigorous and persuasive contribution to the debate about this issue, but, as ever, my vote will depend on the outcome of the debate!

Jane Storey - Conservative

Several people interested wanted higher than what was advertised. They got in touch with the recruitment company and that is when we thought the pay probably has to go up to attract the best.

Nobody is going to do it for a pay cut.