Dean, who has held the role since a council restructure in April 2015, will join Harrogate Borough Council as head of finance.
Councillor Mohammed Iqbal, leader of Pendle Council, said Dean had helped the council face many challenges during a period of austerity.He said: “Firstly, I’d like to congratulate Dean on his appointment with Harrogate Council, though this is very sad news for Pendle.
“Dean’s made a real difference in Pendle since he joined us in 2006, but more so over the last two and a half years as strategic director. I understand and fully respect his reasons for leaving are personal – he wanted to take up a post closer to home.”The council also said that Vince Green, head of finance, will leave in March.
Councillor Tony Greaves, deputy leader and leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, added: “The fact that Pendle has so far been able to continue to provide its services with little effect on local people, in spite of the horrific spending cuts that have been imposed on it, is very much due to the work of Dean and head of finance, Vince Green.” Councillor Joe Cooney, leader of the Conservative Group, added: “I’ve immensely enjoyed working with Dean over the last two and a half years. He’s earned the respect of councillors and staff for what he has achieved whilst working for Pendle Council.”