(Image: NYC)
A council chief executive who helped lead the biggest shake-up of local government in North Yorkshire has announced his retirement, speaking of his “immense pride” at helping to shape the authority’s future.
Richard Flinton, chief executive of North Yorkshire Council, will step down at the end of March next year, bringing to a close a nearly 40-year career in public service.
He said: "This has been an extremely difficult decision to make, and I have loved working with so many great people committed to doing their best for North Yorkshire’s residents and businesses.
"However, the time feels right ahead of the next elections, in May 2027, and with the work of merging eight councils into one new unitary authority largely completed.
"I am immensely proud of all that we have achieved, and I would like to thank everybody I have worked with including councillors, colleagues and partners, for their support and fellowship throughout my career.
"From joining local government in North Yorkshire as a trainee trading standards officer, to becoming chief executive, this county has been my passion, as has striving to help its brilliant communities."
Mr Flinton began his career in North Yorkshire on October 1, 1987, as a trainee trading standards officer.
He rose through the ranks, serving in roles including assistant head of trading standards and regulatory services, assistant director for business and community services, and corporate director of business and environmental services.
In 2010, he was appointed chief executive of the former North Yorkshire County Council.
He led the authority through major changes, including the launch of North Yorkshire Council in April 2023, which merged eight councils into a single unitary authority.
Mr Flinton also played a key role in securing a devolution deal for York and North Yorkshire, bringing additional funding and decision-making powers to the region.
Councillor Carl Les, leader of North Yorkshire Council, said: "I would like to thank Richard for his many years of service to the council and the people of North Yorkshire.
"This is a moment to congratulate him for helping to deliver many important projects, none more so than devolution and the successful creation of a new council in the largest local government reorganisation in the country.
"I’ve been one of only two leaders during his time as chief executive, and I would like to personally thank Richard for his unfailing advice and guidance during my 12 years as leader.
"I wish him well for the future and a happy and healthy retirement."
Mr Flinton’s career spanned some of the most challenging periods in recent history, including the Covid-19 pandemic.
As chair of the North Yorkshire Local Resilience Forum, he helped ensure that key public health messages reached more than 600,000 residents and that essential services continued throughout the crisis.
Under his leadership, the council has received national recognition for its performance and service delivery.
In February this year, North Yorkshire Council was named the third most productive local authority in the country by the IMPOWER Index and the highest performing council in the North of England.
Children’s services were rated 'outstanding' by Ofsted, while adult social care was ranked among the best in England, earning a 'good' rating and an overall score of 81 from the Care Quality Commission.
Early in his career, Mr Flinton served as assistant head of trading standards and regulatory services, later becoming assistant director for business and community services and assistant chief executive for policy, performance, and partnerships.
He was confirmed as chief executive of the new North Yorkshire Council in August 2022, ahead of its official launch on April 1, 2023.
Read more
Talks with MP highlight impact of rogue traders on County Durham shopkeepers
North Yorkshire town to sparkle with festive attractions
North East business support group appoints new chief executive
He also served for 16 years as the shareholder representative for the Brierley group of companies, which are council-owned firms that reinvest earnings into frontline services across the county.
Born in Scarborough, Mr Flinton has spent his entire career in North Yorkshire, rising from a trainee to the chief executive role.
A recruitment campaign to find his successor will begin in the coming weeks.