Labour councillors have welcomed the appointment of Managing Director, Sajida Bijle, at Hertsmere Borough Council’s full council meeting last night.

The appointment follows a management restructure over recent months in which the departure of the former Chief Executive, Donald Graham, coincided with the revelation that Tories had been using Council-owner Elstree Film Studios for their own purposes.

Sajida has worked for Hertsmere Borough Council for 30 years and has been serving as interim Managing Director since September and was Acting Chief Executive from July, following Donald Graham’s extended sick leave.

Leader of the Labour group, Cllr Jeremy Newmark, commented: “This is an incredibly significant appointment at a critical time.  Sajida personifies the very best values of public service.  She will be a huge asset to the borough.  I particularly welcome the appointment of Hertsmere’s first ever woman and member of the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic community to the role of permanent Head of Paid Service.”

Sajida Bijle commented: “I consider it an immense personal privilege to have the opportunity to lead Hertsmere Borough Council as its Managing Director. I look forward to driving through some ambitious plans for the authority over the coming months and years, but retaining our core vision of supporting our communities, planning for the future and being an enterprising council.

“We have tremendous staff here who work very hard to provide an excellent service to our local communities so am confident that we can continue to make great progress. I look forward to leading them and working with our elected members, stakeholders and partners.”