A NEW chief executive of the council has been appointed.

Manjeet Gill will take up the position in an interim capacity on September 7 following the departure of Andy Couldrick early in August.

She brings with her seven years experience as chief executive of West Lindsey District Council and chair of Greater Lincolnshire One Public Estate Board.

At West Lindsey she spearheaded commercial, efficiency and digital investment programmes after the council saw its government grants cut by 50 per cent, and has seen three organisations out of special measures.

Ms Gill said: "I am struck by how ambitious, collaborative and progressive Wokingham Borough Council is, despite the hard challenges of budget cuts to deliver its community priorities such as quality children, health and housing services.

"I am equally ambitious, and will work with councillors, staff and partners to help achieve the highest standards for the Borough with new ways of working that embrace a more customer and commercial focus.”

As head of paid service, she will lead the authority for a period of at least six months until a permanent chief executive is appointed. The recruitment process for the long-term successor has already started.

Council leader Councillor Charlotte Haitham Taylor said: “Manjeet brings with her a wealth of experience in partnership working, and she has been extremely successful in lobbying and influencing at a local, regional and national level on behalf of the councils she has worked with.

"These skills will bring huge benefits to Wokingham Borough Council. We were impressed with her energy and enthusiasm. Whilst there are challenging times ahead, I am sure that the council will continue to flourish under her strong and innovative leadership. I wish her very success in the role.”