FOR almost ten years Peter Sloman has been at the helm of Oxford City Council.

But that is all about to change as the chief executive has been selected as the preferred candidate for the same role but at Reading Borough Council.

During his time at the council, it has twice been awarded 'council of the year'.

Mr Sloman said: "I have been proud to be Oxford city council’s chief executive.

"In ten years we have established the council as one of the best performing nationally.

"We have a talented top team, excellent relationships between staff, managers and elected politicians.

"It’s the council’s values around protecting the vulnerable, promoting social justice and protecting the environment where we have achieved the most."

Mr Sloman heralded the city council's achievements from the launch of the Oxpens Masterplan to a new community in Barton and said how important it is for an 'independent city council' to continue this work.

He added: "Government now knows there is no local support for change and I believe a significant corner has been turned in preventing a county council unitary authority being agreed.

“I am leaving with a strong management team with a real wealth of talent that staff, stakeholders and people in the city can rely on."

Leader of Oxford City Council Bob Price said Mr Sloman had 'significantly transformed the council for the better."

He added: “He has worked closely with elected members to improve the lives of the city’s residents, helped make Oxford a dynamic economic and cultural hub and worked well with a wide range of partners across the city and county and the wider local government community.

“We will miss him tremendously and wish him well in his new role.”

The appointment is expected to be ratified at the full Reading Borough Council meeting tomorrow.

Mr Sloman is expected to take up his new role in July.