Temporary council boss to take charge

A NEW interim boss is poised to take over at Halton Council after the previous post-holder quit for pastures new.

- BY MARK SMITH, LOCAL DEMOCRACY REPORTER

Halton’s chief executive Stephen Young announced in April he was leaving to take up the top job at Salford City Council from the end of August, having served just over three years in his current position.

At a meeting this week, councillors are to vote to approve Richard Rout as an temporary chief executive while the search is conducted for a full time replacement for Mr Young.

A chief executive is the top nonpolitical role at a council, sitting side-by-side with a council leader.