Croydon Council names third interim chief executive in 12 months

Croydon Council has appointed Mike Jackson as its third interim chief executive in less than a year. Jackson will take over on 1 August 2026, replacing Elaine Jackson, who is stepping down in September after serving since October 2025. The permanent role, with a salary of £275,000, remains unfilled.

The council’s leadership changes began when Katherine Kerswell resigned in October 2025 after five years in the post. Elaine Jackson, who had worked at the council since 2020, took over as interim chief executive in December 2025. She served as Returning Officer during the May 2026 local elections, which saw Jason Perry re-elected as Executive Mayor and Labour retain the most council seats.

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Financial pressures and recruitment challenges

Croydon Council is facing significant financial strain. It forecasts needing £900m in exceptional financial support from central government by 2030, as reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service. The council is considering requesting a bailout to address its budget shortfall.

Government-appointed commissioners will remain in place until at least July 2027, overseeing the council’s financial recovery. The incoming chief executive will play a key role in managing these challenges. The job description for the permanent role describes it as “one of the most important leadership challenges in local government.”

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Mike Jackson’s appointment was approved unanimously by the council’s cross-party Appointments and Disciplinary Committee, chaired by Mayor Jason Perry. Jackson previously served as Joint Chief Executive of Richmond and Wandsworth councils, where he managed services for over half a million residents. He has also held senior roles at Bristol City Council and in the civil service.

I am looking forward to welcoming Mike Jackson to Croydon as our Interim Chief Executive. His appointment will provide continuity and stability as we continue to drive forward our priorities for residents.

Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon

Applications for the permanent chief executive role close on 4 September 2026. The council expects Jackson to remain in post for around six months while the recruitment process continues. Elaine Jackson, who had planned to leave earlier, agreed to stay on to support the council through the May elections.

What happens next

Mike Jackson will begin his role on 1 August 2026. The council will continue its search for a permanent chief executive, with applications closing on 4 September. The new leader will be responsible for steering the council through its financial recovery and working with government commissioners until at least July 2027.

Residents can track the council’s decisions and financial updates through its public notices portal. The council has not yet confirmed whether it will formally request a bailout from central government.