Chief exec quits over inappropriate behaviour claims

The chief executive of Rochdale Council has resigned over allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards young female colleagues in a past job.

James Binks was assistant chief executive at Manchester City Council when the alleged incident happened at a drinks event after work in 2024.

Binks moved between the two authorities months later in January 2025 but was suspended in December after the allegations emerged.

Rochdale Council has confirmed he left his post without a financial settlement.

He was suspended by the council last month after it was reported that an internal investigation into the claims against him by Manchester City Council had concluded.

Rochdale Council had not been aware of the allegations when he was appointed CEO in 2025.

At the time of his suspension, the Rochdale leader, Neil Emmott, described the revelations as 'troubling'.

A spokesperson for the Rochdale Council said the recruitment process to select a new chief executive has begun.

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