Richard Jeffrey, the Chief Executive of the troubled Edinburgh Trams project, has resigned after two years in the post it was announced this morning. Jeffrey, who has been with the project since April 2009, will step down from the role on 8th of June 2011.
Speaking of his decision, Jeffrey said: “Following the mediation earlier this year I believe now is the optimum time to move on and allow the project to proceed to the next stage.
“I remain convinced that trams are part of the solution for future generations, and I look forward to travelling on the city’s trams.
“I would like to pay tribute to my board, partners, stakeholders and my colleagues, whose support, dedication and commitment in trying circumstances has been fantastic.”
Chairman Vic Emery said: “Richard has been an energetic force during his time on the project and has seen the organisation through a particularly challenging period. I would personally like to pay tribute to his determination, integrity and resilience during his time here with tie.”
“The organisation will continue as before for the current time. We are working closely with the City of Edinburgh Council and there is a great deal of work ongoing in terms of moving forward the different work streams agreed from the mediation in March.
“Early last week we announced the priority works and the repairs to Princes Street and our focus continues to be pressing ahead with the next stage of delivering the trams.”
Jeffrey's decision follows on from the paper presented to the Council on Monday, 16th May which revealed that £440m of the £545m project had been spent with the completion of even a shortened trams route nowhere in sight.
A report is being delivered to the next full Council meeting on 30 June, which is expected to outline the costs of delivery of the tram route to St Andrew Square as well as the cost of cancelling the trams project altogether.