A highly-paid Bradford Council director has been made redundant at the start of a senior management restructure which is expected to save the authority £1.1 million.

Jane Glaister, the strategic director for culture, tourism and sport, has been made compulsorily redundant after a decade at City Hall.

Miss Glaister, who was made an OBE in 2005, was being paid between £107,086 and £117,583, the Council confirmed.

Tony Reeves, the Council’s chief executive, said: “These are very difficult times for Councils and hard decisions have to be made to reduce costs. Jane has been an outstanding officer of the Council and a fine ambassador for the district. I wish her every success in her future career.”

Miss Glaister was honoured by the Queen after being nominated for her work as president of the UK Museums Association between 2002 and 2004 where she helped guide national initiatives. Her father’s family hail from the Undercliffe area of the city and she studied a Master of Business Administration qualification at Bradford University. She is a member of the Government’s Renaissance in the Regions task force and a Sector Skills trustee.

In a statement, Miss Glaister said: “My ten years of working in Bradford leading the strategic development and delivery of cultural, sporting, leisure and tourism services across the district have been stimulating, challenging and extremely enjoyable.

“During that time there have been many highlights, including the refurbishment and/or development of Cartwright Hall and Lister Park, Keighley Library, Manningham Library, Bradford 1 Gallery, the Ministry of Food, Roberts Park, Myra Shay and Shipley Pool.

“I am sorry to be leaving but am sure that the team who have worked with me over the last ten years, including the hundreds of local arts and sports organisations, ‘friends of’ groups, tourism partnerships and individuals will ensure that Bradford’s considerable assets in these areas thrive.”

Councillor Ian Greenwood. leader of the Labour-run Council, said: “I want to pay tribute to the tremendous contribution that Jane Glaister made to the life of the district over the time she has worked for the Council.”

Conservative group leader, Councillor Anne Hawkesworth, who worked with Miss Glaister during a spell as the Council’s executive member for environment and culture before last May’s local elections, said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Jane throughout her time at the Council.”

Councillor Jeanette Sunderland, leader of the Liberal Democrat group, said: “Jane’s made an outstanding contribution to the cultural life of the district. She has changed the way some things we do forever and I wish her success wherever she goes in the future.”

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