A new Cumbrian authority has recommended the appointment of an interim chief executive.
The new combined authority – which will be led by an elected mayor – is due to come into official being this year.
It is a new partnership of Cumbria’s two unitary councils, Westmorland and Furness and Cumberland, working for the whole county.
There will be an election in May 2027 for the mayor to lead the authority.
Until that time, it will be steered by political leaders from the two unitary councils.
The Cumbria Combined Authority has this week recommended to appoint John Barradell OBE as its interim chief executive.
Mr Barradell, who lives in Carlisle, has previously been chief executive of the City of London Corporation and Brighton & Hove City Council.
He has also led major national resilience efforts, including the Government’s Grenfell Recovery Taskforce and the London Strategic Group during Covid‑19.
He currently chairs the National Emergencies Trust and serves as a commissioner on the National Preparedness Commission.
He is currently working as Programme Director for devolution in Cumbria.
The role of interim chief executive will help drive Cumbria forward, the new authority said.
The combined authority will make decisions on strategic plans and investments in Cumbria and will be granted new powers that currently sit with the Government.
This will include powers to create a single plan for transport in Cumbria, bringing vital investment across networks; unlock regeneration and housing projects and drive environmental resilience.
Cumbria will receive at least £333 million of funding over the next 30 years to fund priority programmes, as well as access to bid for further investment.
Mr Barradell said: “I’m honoured to be recommended for appointment as Interim chief executive of the new Cumbria Combined Authority.
“Throughout my career I’ve worked with organisations going through big changes, and it’s shown me just how important it is for people to work together, be open, and focus on what really matters for the communities they serve.
“My home is Cumbria. It’s a place I know well and care about deeply. I know how much we have to be proud of; from world‑leading clean energy and advanced manufacturing to our visitor economy, our strong communities and, of course, our incredible landscape.
I want to help make sure these strengths are recognised across the UK and beyond, and that Cumbria and its residents gets the investment, attention and influence it deserves.
“Devolution is a huge opportunity for us. It puts more decisions in local hands and gives us the chance to shape Cumbria’s future in a way that reflects our priorities and ambitions. I’m passionate about helping Cumbria make the most of this moment and build on the talent, potential and unique character that make our home so special.”
Jonathan Brook, leader of Westmorland and Furness Council and joint leader of the new authority, said: “John’s appointment would mark a pivotal moment.
“His reputation for calm, strategic leadership and his deep experience in complex public‑sector transformation give us real confidence as we take this important step.
“At a time when devolution provides Cumbria with a once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity to shape its own future, John’s proven ability to guide organisations through significant structural and governance change will be invaluable. His appointment would bring immediate momentum and clarity to this critical phase.”
Mark Fryer, leader of Cumberland Council and joint leader of the authority, said: “John is widely recognised as a leader of exceptional integrity and vision, and his experience makes him an outstanding choice for this role.
“With devolution unlocking new powers, investment, and genuinely local decision‑making, Cumbria is entering a transformative period; John’s extensive background in local government leadership, resilience planning, and partnership working positions him perfectly to help the region seize this moment.
“His appointment would represent a significant step forward for the authority and for Cumbria as a whole.”
The joint appointments panel made the recommendation on February 11, and the joint executive committee will now put forward the proposal to the first meeting of the authority’s board on March 18.
If approved, Mr Barradell will formally take up the strategic role following that meeting.
