THE DRAIN of senior council officers from Liverpool could be about to go into reverse with the possible return of Charlie Parker.

The city's former regeneration director left only last month for a lucrative job in the private sector with Enterprise.

But Mr Parker may return to Liverpool two days a week to help wrap up some of the major projects he has been involved in.

Liverpool has decided not to appoint a new £150,000-a-year regeneration director until a successor to Sir David Henshaw as chief executive has been found.

That process could take six months, leaving a vacuum of experience at the top of the city's executive team.

Tom McCabe, Mr Parker's deputy at regeneration, moved to Cheshire County Council earlier this year, and Mike Birchnall from the city's planning department has been standing in.

City solicitor Graeme Creer is also leaving, while Colin Hilton at children's services is stepping into the acting chief executive role.

Among the projects Mr Parker was personally involved in were the £920m Grosvenor scheme, the signing of various contracts for the Kings Dock project, and the Chavasse Park dispute with the Walton Group.

A senior council source said: "There is a school of thought that if Sir David had announced his intention to go earlier, then Charlie Parker might not have moved on.

"While his return would be only temporary, it would help cover for some of the gaps at the moment.

He has had a crucial role to play in a lot of projects and we are somewhat lacking in expertise in some areas at a critical time".

The return of Mr Parker is not straightforward however as the Daily Post understands the move has been referred to the district auditor by Sir David, who will leave council employment on March 31.

It is believed the auditor shared the chief executive's concerns about Mr Parker's private sector role being a conflict of interest with his work for the council.

Council leader Warren Bradley is still keen to make sure Mr Parker returns as he seeks to build a solid foundation at the city council in preparation for the appointment of a new executive team.

It is hoped that a "Chinese walls" system,, whereby Mr Parker would not be involved in any work involving Enterprise Liverpool's street maintenance contract, would allow the deal to go ahead.

London-born, Mr Parker was regarded as a prime candidate to be Sir David's successor before announcing his decision to leave the authority late last year.

Undoubtedly a controversial figure, he moved to Liverpool from Manchester and originally worked in the south of the city at the Speke Garston Development Company.

Liverpool council declined to comment last night.

andykelly@dailypost.co.uk