Bexley Councillors have approved the appointment of Paul Thorogood, whose substantive role is Director of Finance and Corporate Services, as the Council’s Interim Chief Executive, following the resignation of Jackie Belton.

They have also ratified the appointment of Caroline Holland - an experienced, qualified accountant who has held Director of Resources roles in other London Boroughs - to Mr Thorogood’s substantive role, until such time as the permanent Chief Executive position is filled.

Paul Thorogood has been the Council’s Director of Finance and Corporate Services for the past five years. Following discussion between the Leaders of both political Groups and with all members of the Corporate Leadership Team, he agreed to undertake the statutory duties of the Chief Executive - including the roles of Returning Officer and Head of Paid Service - until such time as a permanent appointment is made. Permanent recruitment to the post of Chief Executive will begin in the coming months.

Meanwhile, Caroline Holland will fulfil the statutory role as the Council’s Section 151 Officer - a role she has held in the London Boroughs of Merton and Tower Hamlets.

Leader of the London Borough of Bexley, Cllr Baroness O’Neill of Bexley OBE, said of the changes:

People who live or work in Bexley can be reassured that the Council will continue to run effectively and fulfil all of its statutory duties while a new permanent Chief Executive is being recruited.”

Mr Thorogood said:

I’m delighted and honoured to be asked by Members to be the Council’s Interim Chief Executive, having worked within the Council for the last seven years. I’m looking forward to working with Members, our Partners and Officers in continuing to deliver the best for our residents and our businesses to make Bexley Even Better.”

To find out more about the structure of the Council, visit our Senior Council Officers page.