Senior figures pay tribute to outgoing Wigan Council CEO Donna Hall

After eight years at the helm of the local authority, Ms Hall announced today (Friday, October 12) that she will step down from her role next summer. Donna joined Wigan in 2011 initially as deputy chief executive before taking on the top role six months later.

Related: This is what Wigan Council leader Donna Hall has said about retiringLeading figures have already began to praise the outgoing leader, with Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham describing Donna as a “public service pioneer” and the architect of Greater Manchester’s new approach to public service delivery.

Councillor David Molyneux, leader of Wigan Council, said: “Donna has given incredible service to Wigan over the past eight years and we certainly wouldn’t be the council we are today without Donna serving as chief executive.

“On behalf of the council, all councillors, staff and the people of the borough I would like to place on record our gratitude to Donna for what has been a remarkable eight years in Wigan.”

Lord Peter Smith, the former council leader of 27 years who worked with Donna closely until he stepped down earlier this year, said: “In her time at Wigan, Donna has made a terrific difference to the council and to the lives of people of the borough.

“Under her leadership we developed the Wigan Deal a new way of delivering good public services while tackling the problems posed by austerity and helping people in these difficult times.

“She has worked so well with the staff and has been so supportive of them. I enjoyed my time working with Donna and I wish her well in the future.”

Dr Tim Dalton, Local GP and Chair of NHS Wigan Borough CCG, said, “Donna has brought energy to the challenge of integrating health and social care services and I sincerely thank her for her commitment and drive.

“Our shared vision for building up our borough’s communities and putting local people at the heart of everything we do will continue to influence the transformation of local NHS services.”

Councillor Michael Winstanley, leader of the Conservative group on Wigan Council, said: “I am very sorry to hear that Donna will be leaving the council.

“Personally over the past two years Donna has been very supportive and I know through speaking to councillors throughout Greater Manchester she is very highly thought of across the region.

“She will be a big loss to Wigan Council and on behalf of the group I wish her well for the future.”