Leader retires after six years of service

Council pays tribute to ‘dedicated’ outgoing chief exec

- ROBBIE MACDONALD

WEST Lancashire councillors have paid tribute to the borough's outgoing chief executive who has retired after a period of illness.

Jacqui Sinnott-Lacey, who played roles in some big events and developments in recent years including new housing, was thanked by councillors across the political spectrum.

She was also presented with farewell gifts at the latest full meeting of West Lancashire Council.

Ms Sinnott-Lacey held the role of chief executive from 2019, leading the council through the Covid-19 pandemic, launching Tawd Valley Developments, a council-owned housing company that has built accessible and affordable homes; and gained approval to progress the £130 million master-plan for Skelmersdale town centre, the council said. She has also overseen numerous local and national elections.

She first joined the council in 2016, specialising in housing. Previously she worked for the Peaks & Plains Housing Trust and had spent 25 years in the homes sector.