Kate Josephs: Sheffield Council chief executive returns to work following nearly six month investigation into partygate scandal

Ms Josephs has been on paid leave from her £190,000 per year position while senior officer Eugene Walker, who usually makes £150,000 per year, has covered for her on extra pay.

The decision by a cross-party council committee was announced today following several months of meetings behind closed doors and taking recommendations from an unnamed investigator.

It came after she posted a statement on Twitter in January admitting to the gathering in the Cabinet Office which marked the end of her time as director general of the Covid taskforce before taking the job in Sheffield.

In a statement released today Ms Josephs confirmed she was given a Fixed Penalty Notice in respect to the event and paid it immediately.

She said: “I want to thank the SCC Committee for the rigour and thoughtfulness they have shown. I am grateful that the committee's investigation has concluded that I should return to work.

“I want to apologise, again, for gathering with colleagues in the Cabinet Office as I left my previous job. I am so very sorry that for too many people - including those I serve in Sheffield and the colleagues I am proud to work alongside - my actions brought back personal pain and suffering experienced during the Covid pandemic. Knowing this is something that will stay with me forever, I cannot and will not brush that hurt under the carpet; all I can offer is my sincere apology and my promise to work harder than ever for our city.

“I now see that it was a mistake to gather in the way we did; the event simply should not have happened.

“People have asked why I did not speak out about this until January. Because the event itself happened in my former role, I went to my former employer for guidance. I was asked to respect the confidentiality of the Cabinet Office's independent investigation. I wish I had challenged that more strongly and spoken sooner to colleagues in Sheffield; I have accepted a written warning from the Committee in respect of this error of judgement.

“I want to re-iterate my commitment to the council, to the city of Sheffield and to the region I grew up in. All I have wanted through this process is to be given the opportunity to return to my job and continue to work with our dedicated members, committed city partners and the brilliant team at SCC. I believe passionately that together we can continue to bring about positive change and tackle the biggest challenges we face whether supporting our diverse communities, addressing climate change, providing more and better housing, or reforming services that support and safeguard the most vulnerable - for the benefit of the people of Sheffield. I am not and have never pretended to be perfect. I have made mistakes for which I am deeply sorry. I intend to learn from these mistakes and continue to work hard to be the very best chief executive I can be for our city.”

What happened?

The party culture in the heart of government hit headlines across the country this year.

A 37-page report published by government official Sue Gray last month set out in embarrassing detail how each event unfolded including the leaving drinks of Ms Josephs.

It stated guidelines were not followed at the event which were attended by between 20 and 30 officials including those in senior positions.

Food and drink such as crisps, beer and prosecco were brought to the do which had background music playing from a smartphone and speeches.

According to the report, the plan was for it to be time limited, socially distanced and no one was to travel into the office to participate.

However, on a typical day there were approximately 12 members of staff but 40 people were reportedly sent an invitation on Ms Joseph’s behalf.

“The intention was to follow the social distancing guidance by observing a one-way system, social distancing and other precautionary measures," Ms Gray wrote.

"This did not happen."

Despite the event having a timeframe of two hours ending at 8.30pm, it was said to have gone on for around five hours, ending at around 11.30pm. Ms Josephs reportedly left the party at around half past midnight after tidying up.

Sheffield Council Labour leader Terry Fox said the report painted a picture which would "anger people across the country and in Sheffield".

The Telegraph reported that Ms Josephs was among those fined by Scotland Yard after its investigation into the partygate scandal.

Council secrecy and delay

The decision to reinstate her was made by the cross-party committee in a private meeting on Tuesday, June 21, but kept under wraps until today.

Council investigations and deliberations on her future at the authority have been shrouded in secrecy - with the costs, remit and even the name of the independent investigator involved being withheld.

The council said it was strictly adhering to a prescribed process that forms part of the contract for any statutory officer.