Cheshire West and Chester Council search for new top boss as current chief exec heads to troubled Liverpool authority

Cheshire West and Chester Council is looking for a new chief executive, after the current post-holder was chosen to take the reins at a troubled neighbouring authority.

Andrew Lewis is set to become the new chief executive of Liverpool City Council after its elected members voted last night to rubber-stamp his appointment. He is expected to take up the post in the summer.

The 53-year-old is widely respected in local government circles and has held the top officer post at Cheshire West and Chester since 2018. Before that he was the first managing director of the Tees Valley Combined Authority from 2016-2018 and was assistant chief executive at Newcastle City Council from 2010.

Before moving into local government, he worked as a senior economic advisor at the treasury, working on employment, tax and international policy.

He was seconded as deputy regional director of the Government Office for the North East and led the Northern Way partnership to promote economic growth across the North.

Cheshire West and Chester Council Leader Louise Gittins said the search for his successor will start tomorrow, Friday.

She said: “I am delighted at Andrew’s appointment as the chief executive of Liverpool City Council and I know he is the right person for the job.

“However I am very sorry he is leaving us and know that sentiment is shared by staff and members alike. It has been a privilege to work with him in my role as leader of Cheshire West and Chester since 2019 and I’m proud of our work and achievements together.

“Andrew’s appointment also gives us an opportunity to work more closely with Liverpool on common endeavours.”

Councillor Margaret Parker, leader of the borough’s Conservative group, added: “Congratulations to Andrew on is new appointment and we wish him well for the future.”

Mr Lewis will replace interim Liverpool chief executive Theresa Grant who was appointed in September following the resignation of Tony Reeves in July.

He will take the helm of a council that has been in dire straights for some  time, with Government-appointed officials sent to oversee some departments at Liverpool City Council in 2021 over what was branded a ‘serious breakdown of governance’.

By Mark Smith – Local Democracy Reporter