REMEMBER
WHEN DAVID HENSHAW BLACKMAILED LIVERPOOL CITY COUNCIL?
BELOW AN ARTICLE WITH THE EMAILS THAT TERMED THE PHRASE
THE EVIL CABAL
TRUCE IN LIVERPOOL ROW
Henshaw and Storey agree to mediation planBy Mark Smulian
Former chief executive of Birmingham City Council Sir Michael Lyons has been parachuted into Liverpool City Council to patch up the increasingly acrimonious row between chief executive Sir David Henshaw and leader Mike Storey.
Mediation was agreed moments before last week's council meeting had been expected to endorse disciplinary proceedings against Sir David and suspension of delegated powers to officers.
Advisers on both sides are understood to have pushed for mediation.
One councillor from Mr Storey's ruling Lib Dem group said: “I was surprised. An hour before the meeting, I still thought we would go for disciplinary action.”
Sir David was said to be in a jovial mood when he joined councillors after the meeting to watch Liverpool's victory over AC Milan.
Relations between Mr Storey and Sir David, previously close, deteriorated after a dispute over a proposed light rail system last year.
They also disagreed over whether Sir David should be chief executive of both the council and the 2008 Capital of Culture company, which he has headed temporarily. Mr Storey wants a separate chief executive for this body.
Sir David unsuccessfully sought a pension rise to compensate for tax changes from next year (LGC, 14 April). He had been expected to leave, but said last week: “No matter what the personal financial consequences, [I] will stay and finish the job for the 2008 European Capital of Culture.” The statement omitted to say in what capacity.
Relations were also poisoned by the discovery during a probe by executive director of resources Phil Halsall, of e-mails between Mr Storey and assistant executive director for media Matt Finnegan, containing indiscreet remarks about Sir David.
Mr Finnegan has been suspended for alleged audit irregularities, which he had denied.
A report by Mr Halsall said he had found “a clear conspiracy between Mike Storey and Matt Finnegan to force Sir David Henshaw out of his position.”
mark.smulian@emap.com
Feeding grist to the rumour mill
“I am anxious to try and box cx more into corner while you are both away. So its impossible for him to wriggle out.”
Matt Finnegan Assistant executive director for media
“The other way to box him into a corner is for the specialist press to speculate on this position and also how his request for a special arrangement was turned down.”
Mike Storey Leader
Private e-mails reveal Liverpool's internal warfare
From Mike Storey
Sent 11 August 2004 12:40
To Matt Finnegan
Subject Re: media broadcast analysis 11/8/04
DH needs a holiday. He is losing the plot judging by a couple of emails he has forwarded to me.
From Matt Finnegan
To Mike Storey
Sent Wed Aug 11 15:40:41 2004
Subject Re: media broadcast analysis 11/8/04
I know, but have you ever tried to reason with someone who doesn't want to be reasoned with? Exasperating in the extreme, won't listen, won't hear, won't be advised.
From Matt Finnegan
To Mike Storey
Sent 12 August 2004 09:52
Subject Re: media broadcast analysis 11/8/04
I wonder if something is going on. He was off last week and came in like a bear with a sore head on Monday... He is beating everyone up.
.............................................
From Matt Finnegan
To Mike Storey
Sent Tue Mar 22 13:26:22 2005
Subject dgh
Mike - you should know that dgh has apparently told LGC that he is considering staying because the council has asked him to. (!) I have referred them to his previous public statements on this and the quotes in the post and the Liverpool Echo. They also have your quotes.
From Mike Storey
To Matt Finnegan
Sent 22 March 2005 19:36
Subject dgh
Good.
I think he should be boxed into a corner Keep pressure up on his leaving. Mike
.............................................
From Richie Lewis
To Matt Finnegan
Sent 22 March 2005 12:38
Subject Audit Review
Matt
As part of our Annual Audit Plan, I have arranged for an audit to commence in respect of your service area. I attach, for your information, a copy of our Audit Planning Memorandum that details the areas of activity to be covered.
From Matt Finnegan
To Mike Storey
Sent Tue Mar 22 12:45:09 2005
Subject FW: Audit Review
Well, here we go. You can imagine my feelings.
From Mike Storey
To Matt Finnegan
Sent 22 March 2005 12:54
Subject Re: Audit Review
Absolutely
Keep a perspective though you have nothing to hide.
Mike
From Matt Finnegan
To Mike Storey
Sent 22 March 2005 13:08
Subject FW: Audit Review
You have no idea how reassuring it is to know that you are out there, watching this. They will find what they want to find however.
Hope you are having fun!
Regards
.............................................
From Mike Storey
To Matt Finnegan
Sent Fri Mar 25 02:43:16 2005-05-26
Subject Re: random things
Matt
...I intend to make this clear - [City of Culture] needs someone in overall charge and all key players...want this. It might be interesting if Echo or Post speculated on this. It would further seal DH's position Mike
.............................................
From Sir David Henshaw
To Matt Finnegan
Sent 11 August 2004 11:13
Subject Fw: media broadcast analysis 11/8/04
I cannot believe we are circulating this defamation for wider consumption. Do I take legal action against the council?
[The council media team had circulated the transcript of a radio broadcast in which a local trade unionist made allegations about Sir David. Mr Finnegan apologised to him and said the e-mail had been recalled.]
From Sir David Henshaw
To Matt Finnegan
Sent 11 August 2004 11:25
Subject Re: media broadcast analysis 11/8/04
Amateur night and recall makes it worse. Was it deliberate methinks
This is very unimpressive and all part of my concerns.
.............................................From Matt Finnegan
To Mike Storey
Sent Mar 23 19:23:52 2005
Subject Office
Wonder whether I should leak my expulsion from culture office? Fallout from cex pension etc thoughts?
.............................................From Matt Finnegan
To Mike Storey
Sent Sat Mar 26 10:56:01 2005
Subject re: random things
...I guess I am anxious to try and box cx more into corner while he and you are both away. So its impossible for him to wriggle out.
From Mike Storey
To Matt Finnegan
Sent Sat Mar 26 20:40:39 2005
Subject re: random things
Mat
The other way to box him into a corner is for the specialist press to speculate on this position and also how his request for a special arrangement was turned down.
.............................................
From Matt Finnegan
To Mike Storey
Sent 30 March 14:43 2005
Subject Re: quote
Long conversation with Phil H. The penny has not dropped that you want dgh out.
.............................................
From Mike Storey
To Matt Finnegan
Sent Fri Apr 01 19:18:45 2005
Subject Re: stuff
Don't worry about the evil cabal whatever happens we want [sic] let you down.
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