The new chief executive at Liverpool Council is expected to take up his post next week.
It was confirmed in March that Andrew Lewis, current chief executive at Cheshire West and Chester Council, would assume the equivalent position at the Cunard Building. The ECHO understands Mr Lewis will officially take the reins from Monday May 22.
Theresa Grant, interim chief executive, will remain in situ until May 25 to assist with Mr Lewis’ handover. Mr Lewis, 53, has been chief executive in Cheshire since 2018.
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Ms Grant took up her position in the aftermath of a scathing commissioners’ report which said Liverpool Council had not displayed “sufficient pace, urgency or grip” to tackle the issues it faces. Two months previously, Tony Reeves, the then chief executive handed in his resignation ahead of the findings by Mike Cunningham’s team.
Prior to his current role, Mr Lewis was the first managing director of the Tees Valley Combined Authority for two years. He was assistant chief executive at Newcastle Council from 2010.
Before moving into local government, Mr Lewis worked as a senior economic advisor at the Treasury, working on employment, tax and international policy. He was seconded as deputy regional director of the Government Office for the North East and led the Northern Way partnership to promote economic growth across the North.
The chief executive’s experience working with a combined authority was highlighted as a positive by Mr Cunningham. Speaking to the ECHO in March, he said: “That's important because Liverpool works within the context of the combined authority here, and if Liverpool Council is going to be effective in the future needs to work with the combined authority in a very constructive way.
“Andrew also has experience working in a core city and while core cities differ, there is something about that experience of what a city needs that I think a new chief executive will bring. What we've seen from Andrew is he'll bring all of that experience and a way of working, which is very much about wanting the best for the people who pay for the local services.
“He has the right ingredients to make a good fist of this role.” Ahead of her replacement coming into the Cunard, Ms Grant said it was important Mr Lewis was aware of the challenges that still remained for the city.
She said: “I would make sure that he comes in with his eyes wide open, that there's still big challenges. “We've done the basics, the hard work, but there's big challenges ahead and I would encourage him to keep driving the momentum.
“I think he's absolutely clear that's what he wants to do as well. He is so enthusiastic and committed and passionate, you know, he lives in the area for him, I think it's his dream job.
“I know he's gonna give it 110% and I think he is absolutely the right person for the job.”
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