Royal Honour for Tameside Council Chief Executive

Harry Catherall, Tameside Council Chief Executive, has been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours for outstanding contribution to public service.

Having started his career at Tameside Council as a 16-year-old apprentice, he returned to lead the council as its Chief Executive following an impressive public service career spanning almost 46 years.

Harry spent the first nine years of his career in Tameside and qualified as an accountant studying at Manchester Polytechnic three nights a week whilst holding down his full-time job.

He enjoyed another nine years, at Stockport Council before joining Blackburn with Darwen Council in 1997 to help set up a new unitary council, playing a leading role in social services.

Harry dedicated 22 years to Blackburn, with the last seven as their Chief executive.

Having completed 40 years’ service Harry took a well-deserved early retirement, but the Local Government Association had other ideas.  Harry was invited to provide interim Chief Executive support at St. Helens Council, which was followed by a similar opportunity at Oldham Council. Here, he helped the new political leadership kickstart an impressive journey of improvement which was recently acknowledged through winning ‘most improved council’ at the Local Government Chronicle Awards.

After three years at Oldham Council, Harry didn’t stop there - he agreed to join Tameside to do the same and is eight months into their improvement journey, already having made a massive positive impact.

Tameside Council Executive Leader, Cllr Eleanor Wills said: “This is a well-deserved honour for Harry.  We are deeply grateful for his exceptional service to Tameside Council to date, providing strong leadership through change, supporting our new political leadership, and driving stability and improvement across the council. His dedication has not only strengthened our organisation but also uplifted staff morale, fostering a culture of positivity and progress. As we look ahead, we are excited for the future he is helping to shape, and we remain confident in the continued improvement and success of our council."

Former Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, Mohammed Khan CBE, said: “Harry spent more time here than at any other council and a proud moment for us both was winning the coveted Council of the Year award in 2018. He’s well known for expecting high standards across all services and for his determination to improve communities. He ensured the success of major projects that directly benefitted the health and wellbeing of residents and took a special interest in children and adult social care, education, and the cathedral quarter development. It’s great to see national recognition for his humble dedication and the impact he’s made over the years.”

Harry said: “I am a lifelong resident of Tameside, born in Newton, Hyde and attended Flowery Field infant, junior and senior schools. I was aware of ‘THE COUNCIL’ from a very early age, my mum spoke of the considerable support we got as a family, including the house we lived in. She inspired me to think about a career in Public Service and was so proud when I joined the council straight from school.

“A very high proportion of council staff are residents in their own local authority area and throughout my career I have encouraged all staff to take pride in their service, their council and most importantly the impact they have on improving the lives of residents in their hometowns.
It’s a privilege to work alongside talented, dedicated and passionate people who are fully focused on changing their lives for better and I am absolutely delighted to be honoured with an MBE.I thank Oldham for the nomination and, everyone for their very kind words.

Leader for Oldham Council, Cllr Arooj Shah said: “I am delighted that Harry has been honoured for his fantastic and longstanding contribution to local government. His driver to improve public services and to change the lives of local people is exemplary. Harry is an inspirational and transformative leader of public services and Oldham was incredible lucky to have him as its Chief Executive. There can be nobody more deserving of recognition”

Minister of State for Local Government, Jim McMahon OBE said: “I couldn’t be happier to see Harry Catherall awarded an MBE. Harry made a significant contribution during his time as CEO of Oldham Council, and I had the pleasure of seeing his straightforward and disciplined approach first hand. This is a fitting honour that reflects an outstanding commitment to local government public service over many years.”