THE official who will lead the merger of senior management at Cherwell District Council and neighbouring South Northamptonshire Council has been chosen.
Sue Smith is currently chief executive at Harborough District council in Leicestershire.
She will be the first joint chief executive for the two councils, which last year agreed the merger move to save £1m a year.
Ms Smith will take up the £125,000 post in May.
In a joint statement, Cherwell leader Barry Wood and South Northamptonshire leader Mary Clarke, said: “Her appointment coincides with a period of great change and we are confident that she will provide first-class leadership across both councils at a time when it is needed most.”
Ms Smith said: “I’m delighted to have been selected to lead both councils and look forward to working with the councillors, staff and many partners across the districts to ensure we continue to provide excellent services to residents and businesses.”
Former Cherwell chief executive Mary Harpley resigned in May last year to move to Hounslow Council, in West London.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here