New Cumbria County Council chief to be paid £170,000

Cumbria County Council's new chief executive John Metcalfe, dressed in a blue suit and a red and black tie — John Metcalfe

Cumbria County Council’s new chief executive is expected to earn £170,000 as he steers the county through local government reorganisation.

The authority has announced that it has appointed John Metcalfe as its new Chief Executive after formally agreeing on the appointment at a full council meeting today.

Mr Metcalfe is currently Chief Executive at the Isle of Wight Council and is a highly-skilled, experienced and innovative strategic leader with over 35 years of experience in local government. His previous experience includes roles within Community Services, Economic Development, Tourism, Culture and Partnerships.

Cumbria County Council is set to be abolished in 2023 and will be split into Westmorland and Furness Council and Cumberland Council. Cumbria County Council is fighting the plan via a judicial review.

The authority recently approved a pay rise for its top officer, from £152,670. At the Isle of Wight Council, Mr Metcalfe earns £132,358.

Commenting on his appointment Mr Metcalfe, said: “I am very excited to be joining Cumbria County Council as the new Chief Executive and I mean this when I say I view it as a great privilege and a pleasure. In fact, Cumbria is an area I know well as I lived here for a few years when I was younger.

“I am looking forward to building on the strong legacy of the One Team approach that clearly exists at Cumbria County Council. A clear priority for me will be about showing strong and visible leadership and working with the council’s experienced leadership team. Our focus over the coming months will be to work alongside staff and hear their ideas and concerns and respond to them. I aim to be transparent and I will work hard to be visible and accessible to all and do the very best I can for the people of Cumbria.”

Cllr Stewart Young, Leader of Cumbria County Council and Leader of the Labour Group said: “I’m delighted with this appointment and I am looking forward to working closely with John on Cumbria County Council’s priorities in our last year. He brings with him a range of skills that make him ideal for Cumbria, especially at this moment in time. I am looking forward to working with John to lead and support our organisation.”

Cllr Peter Thornton, Deputy Leader and Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group said: “As the successful applicant, John brings to Cumbria extensive and relevant experience. He clearly shares our commitment to delivering quality public services to the people of Cumbria. This is a key role for Cumbria and I am confident that this is the right appointment for Cumbria County Council.”

Cllr Hilary Carrick Leader of the Conservative Group added: “We are all delighted with this appointment. Having had the pleasure of meeting John I can confirm that he is clearly a skilled and experienced local government officer who shares our high aspirations for Cumbria. He is also very grounded and I feel that he will bring with him all of the skills we need now and for the future.”