Cornwall Council chief executive Kate Kennally leaves after 10 years

Cornwall Council has announced that its chief executive, Kate Kennally, is leaving the authority after ten years in the role, following a previously unexplained leave of absence.

Ms Kennally has led Cornwall Council since 2016. The council has not publicly explained the circumstances surrounding her absence.

In a statement, the authority confirmed that Ms Kennally had decided to leave her position and that interim leadership arrangements were in place.

Ms Kennally joined Cornwall Council in 2016 from the London Borough of Barnet, where she had served as strategic director for commissioning and deputy chief executive.

Interim leadership arrangements were put in place last month.

The council says recruitment for a permanent replacement will begin in due course.

It has not provided further details about the circumstances of her departure.

Cornwall Council's statement in full

"Cornwall Council wishes to announce that Kate Kennally has decided to leave her role as Chief Executive of Cornwall Council after 10 years in post.

Kate Kennally said: 'I am privileged to have served Cornwall for ten years, during which time Cornwall has hosted the G7 leaders’ summit, worked with communities to respond to the Covid pandemic and recovered from significant events such as the Coverack floods and Storm Goretti. I am proud of what has been achieved during that time and wish Cornwall every success for the future.'

Interim leadership arrangements are in place. The recruitment of a new permanent Chief Executive will commence in due course.

The Council wishes Kate well for the future."