A council statement reads: “Following a comprehensive recruitment process, culminating in final interviews with four excellent candidates on 26 January, the council’s Employment Committee recommended the appointment of James Whiteman as our new managing director and head of paid service.

“Our current managing director, Sue Sturgeon, is retiring in May this year and the Council will now consider the recommendation at its next meeting on February 8.

“Part of the Employment Committee’s responsibilities is to make recommendations for the appointment, or any other employment matters, relating to the managing director.”

Lib Dem councillor, Pauline Searle later commented: “I am delighted that James Whiteman has been appointed as our new MD when Sue Sturgeon retires. Along with a number of other borough councillors I met the short list candidates yesterday and could see that all were very strong contenders.

“The years ahead of us will be very challenging because of our ambitious plans and the general climate of uncertainty but James has a very comprehensive understanding what we want to do. This combined with his excellent management and people skills will make our challenges more attainable.”

See also: Opinion: Choosing GBC’s Next Managing Director Is A Key Decision