Haringey Council’s chief executive Kevin Crompton is leaving just two years after he took up the job.

In an email sent out to councillors yesterday (Tuesday, 18) Mr Crompton revealed he will leave the town hall next month.

In a statement he said: “The leader and I have agreed that the agenda which Haringey now faces could benefit from a chief executive with different skills and personal horizons.

“Leaving the authority will also enable me to develop my own interests after nearly 30 years of continuous local government service.”

Mr Compton was given the challenging task of running the borough in the wake of the death of Baby Peter Connelly, who died in 2007 after suffering sustained abuse at home.

He said he had “guided the council through one of the most difficult periods for local government” and “achieved the objectives agreed when starting the job”.

Council leader Claire Kober refused to comment on why Mr Crompton was leaving so suddenly, but in a statement said “I’m very grateful to Kevin for the contribution he has made to the council in the last two years.

“During that time we’ve had to deal with the impact of huge government cuts and other challenges but he has worked diligently to ensure we continue delivering on our priorities.

“I wish him well for the future.”

But opposition councillors branded the departure a “leadership crisis”.

Cllr Richard Wilson, leader of Haringey Liberal Democrats said: “Coming weeks after the resignation of the deputy leader, this is yet another signal that Haringey Council continues to lurch from crisis to crisis.

“The borough faces severe challenges, including having control of some primary schools taken away, continuing problems in children’s services, and repairing the worst roads in England.

“We need strong leadership but at this crucial time all we have is muddle and confusion, which is likely to continue for months.”

No successor has been appointed yet, and council directors will take up his responsibilities after his departure.