Surjit Tour appointed as Salford City council’s new City Solicitor

Salford City Council has announced the appointment of Surjit Tour as its new City Solicitor, following an extensive recruitment process.

The new appointment follows the departure of Cathy Parkinson from the position on an interim basis. 

The position of City Solicitor will be an important role to fill, with the position being key in the organisation and is the Chief Legal adviser to the council, its Members and Officers.

And also includes the statutory role of Monitoring Officer for the council, and will ensure that lawful decision making and governance arrangements are in place and followed.

Salford City Council have appointed Tour, a highly experienced solicitor with over 25 years in the legal profession

The newly appointed City Solicitor will take on the role from Monday 3rd February 2025.

Surjit Tour brings a wealth of experience to the role, having held monitoring officer positions for over 15 years, working in senior legal posts at Sandwell and Wirral Councils.

Tour also will be hoping to share his experience, previously serving as Deputy Monitoring Officer at City of Wolverhampton Council.

He comes to Salford with a record of delivering transformational governance to achieve corporate priorities and as a provider of high level legal advice to Elected Members and senior officers.

On his appointment Tour expressed enthusiasm about joining Salford’s leadership team, he said: “I am excited to join Salford City Council and support the council deliver its ambitious and exciting Corporate Plan.

“The council has achieved so much over the recent past and I look forward to building on those successes.”

Paul Dennett, Salford City Mayor said: “I’m pleased join colleagues and other Elected Members in welcoming Surjit Tour to Salford City Council. I look forward to working closely with him as our organisations Chief Legal advisor”

Tour will join the council’s Corporate Management Team, working alongside interim Chief Executive Officer Melissa Caslake.

And the appointment will see Tour collaborate with the council to help with the Corporate Plan for 2024-2028.

The plan outlines seven priorities, including tackling poverty, creating affordable housing, responding to climate change and improving health and care services.

Tour’s appointment aligns with these goals as Salford continues its transformation into a thriving city.