FORMER Derbyshire County Council leader David Bookbinder says he is "flabbergasted" that the Labour group he once controlled has seemingly axed the authority's long-serving chief executive.
Nick Hodgson, who has spent his entire career at County Hall, will depart the authority this weekend.
Mr Bookbinder, who led the authority between 1981 and 1992, said he was stunned when he heard Mr Hodgson was suddenly to depart.
"Frankly, I'm flabbergasted. I really am," Mr Bookbinder said.
"I don't know the politics behind the decision.
"All I can say about Nick Hodgson is entirely complimentary.
"He's got a very pleasing and enthusiastic personality that's very infectious.
"He helped make things happen when I was leader. We achieved some great things.
"I'm very proud of bringing Toyota to Derbyshire but without Nick's contribution it wouldn't be here. He was a vital cog in that wheel.
"He really will be a genuine loss to local government and to Derbyshire.
"He's grown up with and given his life to the county council."
Labour took charge at County Hall, Matlock, on May 3 after four years of Tory rule.
New leader Anne Western made it clear during the election campaign that she disagreed with much of what the Tories did while in power – and it is understood she was unhappy with the role Mr Hodgson played.
The Derby Telegraph understands that the new Labour administration felt it could not work with the 60-year-old.
Mr Bookbinder said: "The chief executive's job is to implement the policies of those elected. If he didn't, he would have been out."
In response to Mr Bookbinder's comments, Mrs Western said she was unable to comment on Mr Hodgson's exit for legal reasons.
The council has also refused to release any further information.
Mr Hodgson, who joined the council in 1975 and became chief executive in 1997, also told the Derby Telegraph that he was not allowed to speak about the reasons for his exit.
Toyota announced on April 18, 1989, that it would build its European factory in Burnaston.
Mr Bookbinder's belief that the Japanese car giant would never have come to Derbyshire had it not been for people like Mr Hodgson was backed up by the company at the time of the announcement.
Speaking to the then Derby Evening Telegraph, Toyota president Dr Shoichiro Toyoda said: "The effort by Derbyshire County Council and its leader David Bookbinder was one of the deciding factors.
"We were very impressed by the welcome we received from Derbyshire's regional government, who were very enthusiastic and gave us every assistance possible."
Mr Hodgson spoke to the Telegraph after his exit was confirmed.
Close to tears, he said: "We've done some brilliant things.
"I do feel very emotional. I've been here for 38 years, it feels like my place.
"All this has happened very quickly.
"I'm going to take a bit of time to consider what to do next."
