Well how is this for devotion to the cause of efficiency? In order to help his department achieve 20% budget cuts, London Fire Brigade comms chief Richard Stokoe has given himself the sack. Stokoe says that when he was looking at how to make savings he found that his own job was the one that should face the chop:

“When I looked at it, any other staff leaving would have had a direct impact. I set the strategy, which is now in place, so strategists are not needed.”

Though the PR Week spin fails to neglect that this isn’t the first time Stokoe’s original management style has raised eyebrows. Back in January 2010, when he was at the LGA, 13 PR staff were made redundant. Stokoe simply changed his job title from Head of News to Head of Media to delay his departure. Guido will be watching to make sure he does not pull a similar wheeze this time…

UPDATE: Stokoe gets in touch to say that he did not delay his departure from the LGA, but merely had a three month notice period and wanted to take a small break. He describes the move as “jiggery pokery”. Guido is happy to clarify.