Northumberland County Council looks set to appoint a new chief executive, closing the book on a difficult chapter for the authority.
Dr Helen Paterson has been announced as the recommended appointment as the new head of paid service for the authority, subject to approval by full council next month.
Dr Paterson is no stranger to local government in the north east, having served as director of children's services at Sunderland City Council for five years before becoming strategic director for transformation, leading the council's business transformation, efficiency and improvement work.
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For the last five years, she has been chief executive of Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council, and is also currently Secretary of the Association of Black Country Authorities and Black Country Executive Joint Committee and Chair of West Midlands Metropolitan Chief Executives Group.
The leader of Northumberland County Council, Coun Glen Sanderson, was full of praise for Dr Paterson following an interview and selection process that involved a cross-party group of councillors as well as senior officers.
He said: "We're looking forward to welcoming Helen as our new Chief Executive, subject to full council approval.
“Helen stood out as our first choice among a very strong field of candidates. She brings with her a wealth of skills, experience and an in-depth knowledge of local government and shares our vision to take Northumberland forward over the coming years."
Subject to the approval of full council on November 2, Dr Paterson will take over from interim chief executive Rick O'Farrell, who stepped in as the temporary replacement for Daljit Lally, who was appointed in 2017.
Mrs Lally left the council in July following a protracted dispute with leading councillors and the publication of the Max Caller report. The Caller report identified a number of issues with the former CEO's leadership and noted "it is common ground between the Chief Executive herself and the leaders of the political parties that the improvement journey is not one she can lead on" and that "bringing this episode to a speedy conclusion is essential".
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