Well, well, well – Cohen, who came to EDDC with such glowing references is now surplus to requirements! How convenient – all the blame and all the questions about everything that has gone on under his watch can leave with him … and scrutiny is avoided because he won’t be there to answer any questions …
questions such as:
Queen’s Drive fiasco
Axminster Masterplan chaos
High Street decline inaction
Knowle sale
Blackdown House procurement issues …
add your own thoughts to this partial list …
Here’s the CEO’s “explanation” for the departure:
“Dear Cllrs,
As you are aware we are in the process of preparing the budget for 2020/21 and facing the difficult decisions that will be required.
As part of these preparations, I have had to give consideration to the reduction in workload for the Deputy Chief Executive Officer now that our office moves have taken place and the fact that this role is now effectively redundant.
For this reason, it has been agreed that Richard Cohen will leave the organisation on 31 March 2020. This has been the subject of consultation with the Leader and relevant portfolio holders.
We are currently also consulting with Richard’s direct reports [sic] and will soon be confirming details of changes to reporting lines and roles and responsibilities in the management team.
I am sure you will join me in thanking Richard for all he has achieved during his time at the Council and wishing him the very best for the future.
Yours sincerely,
Mark”
Just remember: a redundant role cannot usually be filled for between 1 and 2 years … so how long before Williams declares himself overworked and in need of better remuneration … but again remember that for a while we shared him 50/50 with South Somerset – till they paid us to take him back early!
East Devon Watch 
No doubt he signed a gagging clause, so we will never know the truth about the Knowle etc…
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