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Councillor Martin Goddard, Cabinet Member for Finance at Hillingdon Council, has resigned from Cabinet with immediate effect. Cllr Goddard informed his colleagues he would not stand in the 2026 elections, and decided to leave Cabinet ahead of this.
Goddard currently represents the Ickenham and South Harefield ward, and had been Cabinet Member for Finance since 2021. He is set to be replaced by Cllr Eddie Lavery, who oversaw the closure of the Rural Activities Garden Centre in Hillingdon.
Councillor Goddard was expected to attend Audit Committee on Tuesday (November 18), to face scrutiny over the financial circumstances and decision making at the council. However, at last minute he pulled out, only to resign 24 hours later.
Councillor Goddard resigns at a time when Hillingdon Council faces intense financial pressures as the risk of bankruptcy looms. Hillingdon Council is currently engaged in talks with the government for Exceptional Financial Support (EFS).
Cllr Ian Edwards, Leader of Hillingdon Council, said: "Cllr Goddard's decision to step down from politics is a blow as he is a man of great experience, capability and integrity. Whilst he can look back with pride on his Cabinet service, I must look forward and take steps to ensure the smooth succession of our financial oversight.
"As we prepare to deliver the budget for next year and beyond, now is the appropriate time to bring about that change. I thank Cllr Goddard for the stewardship of our finances in the most challenging of times for the council and local government, as well as for the support he has given to me personally, and above all for his service to the residents of Hillingdon."
In June, the Local Democracy Reporting Service [LDRS] uncovered £1 million in payments which had been made by Hillingdon Council to Grant Thornton, the former employer of Cllr Goddard. Over a dozen payments had all been made since his appointment to Cabinet, despite only one payment having been made to the company in the six years prior - of £70,000.
There are no indications that Cllr Goddard had declared his past employment as an interest. Councillors are not duly required to declare past employment unless there is a risk of a conflict of interest.
However, Local Government Association Model Code suggests councillors must not take part in any discussion or voting at meetings relating to the financial interest of a close associate. It also states when a matter relates to that of an associate, it must be disclosed.
Whilst there is no evidence of any wrongdoing, Councillor Goddard has reiterated he does not possess any interest in the company, financial or personal. However, it did raise concerns amongst opposition councillors around questions of transparency.
Cllr Goddard has overseen the beginning of a modernisation programme marred by delays as the council attempts to get a grip of its finances. The LDRS understands that without a government bailout, the council would be in Section 114 territory by February 2026.
Cllr Stuart Mathers, Leader of Hillingdon Labour Group said: "Hillingdon Labour tabled a motion of No Confidence in Council Leader Cllr Edwards and Cabinet Member for Finance and Transformation Cllr Goddard at September’s full Council meeting. The Leader’s statement is disingenuous; it has long been known that Cllr Goddard would not stand in May 2026.
"His departure from Cabinet reflects their failure to deliver £34 million of in-year savings and his oversight of the depletion of £70 million in reserves, leaving the Council effectively bankrupt and reliant on Exceptional Financial Support from the Labour Government just to keep the lights on. It is time for Cllr Edwards to also accept responsibility for his own failed leadership."