David Parkin on the story of a city

WILL you forgive me if I choose not to join the orgy?

Tom Riordan has announced he is to step down as chief executive of Leeds City Council at the end of this year.

He is moving on from a job he has done for the last 14 years.

You would have thought he’d retired, or died, given the gushing comments that many rushed to post on social media.

Look, Tom is a great guy who deserves to be praised for his hard work and what he has achieved during a period which has included austerity, recession and the Covid-19 pandemic.

But it’s not like Leeds is a world class city.

Whatever the mainly public sector funded sycophants might shout.

Local and regional media’s coverage of his departure basically cut and pasted Leeds City Council’s press release.

Kim Jong Un, take note, you could learn something here, son.

“As one of the longest-standing UK local government chiefs, he has made a big impact in Leeds in his 14 years at the helm, working alongside council leaders and other senior politicians towards achieving their best city and best council ambitions,” said the council.

It went on to say: “In this time the council has been involved in attracting Channel 4, Burberry, the Bank of England and the UK Infrastructure Bank to the city, along with international events like the Grand Départ of the Tour de France.? It has built the first direct arena, greatly expanded the city centre across the South Bank and worked to facilitate the openings of the Trinity Leeds and Victoria Gate shopping centres.”

There are clearly many other achievements during Tom’s time in office, including supporting the city’s already strong financial sector alongside the growth of new digital, med-tech and innovation-based sectors.

Climate action and healthcare innovation have been a focus as well as work across the diverse communities that make up the city and Tom’s determination to make Leeds the most child friendly in the UK.

These are all successes I acknowledge and celebrate.

One thing the release didn’t mention at all was Tom’s involvement in the Government’s test and trace programme during Covid.

I think all involved would like to forget that one.

The press release was a little less verbose when it came to transport achievements.

The only one mentioned was the East Leeds Orbital Route.

Anyone who has attempted to drive into, around or through Leeds in recent years probably won’t be chipping in for a bouquet to send to Tom’s leaving do.

But can we hope that by the time he leaves his role at the end of the year things will have changed for the better on the roads in the city centre?

Don’t hold your breath.

The biggest problem Leeds has is that it thinks it is better than it is.

Manchester has a self-confident swagger which comes from the city have two of the biggest football teams in the world, top class hotels, restaurants, shops, entertainment venues and an ever-growing business and financial community.

Leeds kids itself that it can compete with that.

Not on your nelly.

For all that I have said, I like and respect Tom Riordan and wish him well.

I’ve known him since his days as CEO of the now defunct regional development agency Yorkshire Forward.

One of his great skills is his ability to engage with people at every level in society.

He gives everyone the impression he knows them.

He even gives the impression that he likes me.

Given all the opprobrium I have heaped on the city council, that is a skill in itself.

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HAPPY Birthday Alan Bennett.

The Leeds-born playwright and author celebrated his 90th birthday yesterday.

The man who, in my opinion is Britain’s greatest living writer, probably marked the occasion with an almond slice and a cup of tea watching videos of Thora Hird on Songs of Praise.

No, actually, that was his Spitting Image puppet.

In reality Alan and his husband Rupert probably did their usual end of the week routine.

LNER train from London to Leeds.

Quiet lunch of fish and chips in a secluded alcove at Sous le Nez.

Then drive to their cottage in the Yorkshire Dales via a food shop at Waitrose in Otley.

As Mother said, there’s a lot to be said for keeping a regular routine.

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A COUPLE of uplifting responses to last week’s blog was a bit of cheer to me.

Well, given the usual reaction is harrumphs, it makes a nice change.

Firstly Peter Banks, former managing director of award winning Yorkshire hotel Rudding Park, who has recently stepped down from the role, commented on my small tribute to him, in which I recalled him saving my bacon when I invited 12 people to a ball where I had a table of 10.

“All in a days work David! It was a pleasure!” responded Peter.

“Was that the legendary evening of Bradley Wiggins? What a night that was…funny now (from a distance), not so funny then!”

You are right there Peter.

Wiggins, the Tour de France winner, went from sporting hero to zero with his drunken antics at a charity ball.

Peter provided an update on his plans.

“As Mark Twain said - “rumours of my death are much exaggerated “ - I’ve got a few very interesting leads - people seem to appreciate my one eyed views on business and are talking about me working with them.

“I’m taking a couple of months off, assessing my options - then I’ll be back at it, developing new, profitable hospitality businesses. If there’s anyone who needs a creative, profit and service lead hospitality professional - please point them in my direction. Available for selection from July!!!”

That’s good news.

The Yorkshire business scene is better off with Peter as part of it.

And then my mention of award-winning Ilkley butcher David Lishman got the kind of response that warms the cockles - or should I say kidneys?

“Wey hey, I’ve finally been mentioned in David Parkin’s Friday blog! And regarding crowdfunding, I shall put a collection box in the shop by the pork pie counter.”

Hopefully that will see me get a larger portion of Yorkshire Salami next time I call in.

Stop sniggering at the back.

I’m talking about Lishman’s Champion Charcuterie.

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THERE is one positive to emerge from the shambolic delayed opening of the new Co-op Live arena in Manchester: I’ve learned something new.

Among the acts who have had to postpone performances at the venue are Peter Kay and Take That.

And another is a more contemporary performer called A Boogie wit da Hoodie.

Now I had never heard of Mr Boogie, or is it Mr Hoodie, or is it hyphenated Mr Boogie-Hoodie?

Anyway, he is, apparently a troubadour of some standing who hails from the Bronx district of New York City.

Do you know, I have a lot in common with A Boogie wit da Hoodie.

I have a hoodie.

And I can boogie.

Oh? yes, sir, I can boogie

But I need a certain song

I can boogie, boogie woogie

All night long

As they say.

Have a great weekend.

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