Outgoing Chief Executive of Nottinghamshire County Council praised as ‘loyal friend’

Anthony May, inset, and the Queen's Medical Centre
By Anna Whittaker, Local Democracy Reporter
The outgoing Chief Executive of Nottinghamshire County Council has been thanked for his “excellent” leadership.
Anthony May is leaving the post having been appointed to the most senior operational role at Nottingham University Hospitals Trust, which runs Nottingham City Hospital and the Queen’s Medical Centre.
Mr May is currently one of Nottinghamshire County Council’s longest-serving chief executives, but will depart the role later this year and start work at the NHS trust on September 1.
At the full council meeting on July 7, councillors paid tribute to Mr May’s time at the helm of the authority.
Mr May said he was “humbled” by the comments from councillors during the meeting.
He said: “It’s been a great pleasure, I feel privileged to have led the council.
“I don’t recognise the feedback and the praise but I am sincerely grateful for it.
“It has been the privilege of my career to have served you.”
Mr May will join NUH while the trust is under scrutiny from health inspectors the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
Ben Bradley MP, Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, thanked Mr May for the “help, support and guidance”.
He said: “Anthony, you’ve been an absolute joy to work with. Aside from being very able, you have been open and honest, you have never called me names when I have flouted ideas or thrown a spanner in the works.
“You’ve always been constructive, you’ve always sought to help us as an administration to deliver our priorities.
“You have become something of a friend and something of a mentor to me.
“As soon as you told me you were interested in the job at NUH, I knew you would get it.
“I knew you were the right person for it. Your networks, influence and the ability to come in from the outside will be hugely helpful.”
Councillor Bruce Laughton (Con) said: “It’s a testament to Anthony that there are not many people in this chamber that can tell me what his politics is.
“That shows you how level-headed he is and how he treats every single member in this chamber the same. That is a very important skill to have as a Chief Executive.
“I started drawing up a list of things that come readily to mind. Words like shrewd, loyal, an excellent manager, a forward thinker.”
Councillor Kate Foale, leader of the Labour group, added: “You’ve always been approachable, even-handed and fair when you spoke to councillors, whatever their politics.
“It’s created a positive and collaborative culture which is certainly not the case in every local authority.
“On a personal note, I’d like to thank you for your kindness and support to me, when I was first elected in 2013.”
Councillor Francis Purdue-Horan (Ind) added: “I have never heard a bad word against you, you are held in the highest esteem in this council.
“This council’s loss clearly is a gain for your new employer.”
The new Chief Executive of the council has not yet been appointed.