REVEALED: Secret memo shows council chief demanded the removal of 08 culture boss STRICTLY PRIVATE & CONFIDENTIAL Dear Colin, Having been mandated by the ruling group on the city council, I am requesting that prior to your departure on leave today, that Jason Harborow is relieved of his duties as both CEX [chief executive] of Liverpool Culture Company, but also as ED CMS [executive director of culture, media and sport]. This will remove the stress that Jason must be feeling at this time, whilst allowing for an unfettered independent investigation. As agreed yesterday, Ben Dolan should be installed as the interim manager to oversee the full operation of Liverpool Culture Company. Whilst Chris Briggs should be appointed to lead on CMS [culture, media and sport], with Stuart Smith regaining the ED [executive director] responsibility. This cannot be seen as a rash decision in the press, and must be handled carefully, but with the public swell of opinion and the fact that Lee Forde has been placed on “gardening leave”, I believe this mandate from the ruling group would be seen as a levelled sensible response, until the independent investigation has been concluded. I take absolutely no satisfaction in requesting this, but as leader of the council, I have a responsibility to be seen to be strong, whilst being fair and honest. I have taken, extremely unfairly, the brunt of the criticism, and am now requesting this decisive move prior to your leave. In conclusion, nothing short of my request will be deemed acceptable. Regards, Warren Timeline of festival cancellation November 2006 – Council admits Mathew Street festival might have to move out of city centre in 2007 because of building work at Pier Head. Fri, Jul 20 – As police voice concerns about health and safety, decision taken to bring in independent experts to review festival plans. Fri, Jul 27 – Capita Symonds visit Culture Company to scrutinise festival organisation. Wed, Aug 1 - Warren Bradley contacted on holiday and informed the report says the festival should not go ahead because of serious health and safety concerns. Thu, Aug 2 – Council and Culture Company jointly announce the cancellation of the festival. Fri, Aug 3 – ECHO launches bid to save festival by teaming up with indoor venues to host bands earmarked for outdoor stages. Furious councillors demand “heads must roll”. Warren Bradley orders independent inquiry into circumstances leading to cancellation. Sat, Aug 4 – Support pours in from venues. Cllr Bradley still wants to save outdoor stages and calls emergency meeting for Monday. Mon, Aug 6 – Talks aimed at saving festival continue. Thu, Aug 9 – Council announces rescue package – festival will take place at indoor venues but outdoor stages do not survive. Fri, Aug 10 – Culture Company board meets. Cllr Bradley says he is confident independent inquiry will uncover who is to blame for debacle. nick.coligan@liverpool.com
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