THURROCK Council has announced it has selected a new Chief Executive, after nearly four years of Government intervention when the council was overseen by a Managing Director Commissioner.

The council's general services committee conducted interviews on Wednesday, 1 July, chaired by council leader Cllr Richard Bingley, and made a decision to appoint Deborah Ward, with the agreement of Local Government Commissioners.

Among her previous posts Ms Ward was CEO at Dorset council, picking up a redundancy package of more than £400,000 when her post was dissolved in a local governance shake-up.

It is possible under planned local government reorganisation which includes a planned merger with Basildon, she could quickly qualify for another redundancy payout!

At the full council meeting on Wednesday, 22 July, members will be asked to endorse the appointment.

The council issued a statement saying Ms Ward 'brings close to four decades of local government experience with her, including as chief executive of Dorset County Council in the run up to local government reorganisation of the county.'

She is currently Head of the Council Housebuilding Support Service at the Local Government Association, and has held many other senior public sector roles including Director for Transformation at Homes England, and interim Executive Director for Resident Services for Southampton City Council.

Cllr Bingley said: "Appointing our own Chief Executive is a hugely significant step forward for Thurrock Council in our journey of recovery and improvement, and demonstrates the trust that the Government and Commissioners have in our ability to keep delivering for the people of Thurrock.

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"I am delighted that Debbie will be bringing her vast experience to Thurrock, and I look forward to working with her to deliver our ambitions to improve our borough; strengthen civic pride; and fully grasp the economic benefits of our unique location for the benefit of local people."

Ms Ward said: "I am really excited to be joining Thurrock at this pivotal moment for the borough, as we head towards Local Government Reorganisation.

"Thurrock has had a challenging time but it has clearly turned a corner and I'm really looking forward to using my experience to lead a hard-working and committed team to deliver our future vision, with the support of our political leadership."

Gavin Jones, Lead Government Commissioner for Thurrock, said: "Thurrock Council can be very proud of this significant milestone in its improvement and recovery programme. Appointing its own Chief Executive demonstrates that Thurrock is much more able to stand on its own two feet as it prepares for everything the future holds, including local government reorganisation.

"Debbie is an excellent appointment, and commissioners are excited to work with her on the next phase of Thurrock's journey."

Subject to the decision of Full Council, Ms Ward is expected to take up the role of Chief Executive in the early Autumn.