JUST a single person has applied for the £200,000 a year top job at Lancashire County Council - the current interim postholder.

Today the troubled authority's employment committee will decide whether to proceed with a shortlist of one for the appointment of a new permanent chief executive and director of resources.

The only applicant is Angie Ridgwell who took the job on a temporary basis in January following a controversial restructuring of the top management team which Labour leader Cllr Azhar Ali said was aimed at forcing the previous chief executive Jo Turton and three other senior staff out of their jobs.

He has told the authority's leader Cllr Geoff Driver, awaiting a decision on prosecution following the 'Operation Sheridan' inquiry into it's One Connect Ltd joint venture with BT, his group will boycott the appointment process.

The county council is currently facing possible claims for constructive dismissal from Ms Turton and the other senior executives who left their jobs as a result of the restructuring in July last year.

Cllr Ali said: "The Conservative administration has dug themselves into a very deep hole to bury their shifty and shabby shenanigans. This new structure was supposed to save money but has resulted in serious problems in recruiting senior managers.

"As there is only one person on the short list its clear they will get the job. We do not blame the current interim chief executive for this.

"This is a very well paid position in the third largest authority in the country. The fact only one applicant has come forward and happens to be the interim chief executive speaks volumes as to the chaotic reputation of the council."

Cllr Driver has told Cllr Ali in an email: "You have, as usual, misrepresented the facts.

"The significant improvements made across the board this year perfectly demonstrates the wisdom of our decision.

"Given your group’s, and your own, track record on senior appointments in recent years, you can be assured your absence will not be missed but you might wish to consider the consequences of your irresponsible and entirely pointless gesture."

Cllr Ali said: "Despite asking Cllr Driver to pause the process, he is hell bent on his reckless policies."