Sam Plum, the first Chief Executive of Westmorland and Furness Council, has announced she will leave the council at the end of December 2025, and plans to retire after a 33-year career in local government.
The news was shared this afternoon with partner organisations and marks a significant leadership transition for the council, which was established just two years ago.
She was appointed CEO of the newly created unitary authority that replaced the former Eden, South Lakeland, and Barrow councils on the 1st of April 2023. Prior to that, she had served as Chief Executive of Barrow Borough Council, playing a pivotal role in the Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) process in Cumbria.
In a personal statement, Plum described her time in Cumbria as “the most rewarding and humbling” period of her career:
“LGR gave us a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build something new and I have loved every minute of it. I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together already.”
Reflecting on recent personal events she said the time felt right to step back and focus on family and travel:
“As much as I love my job, it leaves little time for other things. First on the list is taking off in the motorhome with my husband and the dogs — it’s never too late for a gap year, right?”
Plum’s announcement comes at a crucial time for local government in Cumbria. As Westmorland and Furness Council is currently working with neighbouring Cumberland Council and UK Government on a proposed devolution deal, which includes the establishment of a Cumbria Combined Authority and the election of a directly elected Mayor of Cumbria.
Plum said she believes the council is in a strong position to continue its transformation and play a leading role in shaping Cumbria’s future:
“We are well on our way to being a positive, inclusive, community-focused organisation, living up to our full potential as a unitary, with some incredible opportunities on the horizon.”
She added that she is announcing her plans early to give the council time to recruit a successor and ensure a smooth transition. Plum will remain in post through the end of the year to support this process and deliver a full handover.
“Leaving the Council well is really important to me personally… I absolutely know I am leaving the Council in safe hands, guided by a dedicated officer and member leadership team, committed members and hardworking staff.”
As Westmorland and Furness Council continues to evolve and help lead on the next phase of devolution in Cumbria, Sam Plum’s leadership leaves a strong legacy and a solid foundation for future growth and change.
Jonathan Brook, Leader of Westmorland and Furness council commenting on Sam’s decision said:
“Leading an organisation through a period of significant change is a huge task. To do that whilst continuing to deliver a wide range of day to day services that residents rely on, and doing so whilst in the public eye, is particularly demanding. I can completely understand Sam’s decision to step back and to refocus on more personal priorities. Sam has been a real inspiration and a first class officer to work with. Sam has lead from the front, as we have established the new council. One that is becoming known as a successful and dependable organisation. Sam is recognised for her straight forward approach, for her hard work, commitment, enthusiasm and drive.
We will now have to begin the process to recruit a new Chief Executive. It won’t be straight forward to find the right person to lead us forward on the next stage of our transformation journey. Sam has indicated that she won’t be finishing until the end of the year, so we will have time to ensure we select the right person for the job and to say our goodbyes to Sam over the coming months.”
Then select "Add to Home Screen"
