NEW £200,000 a year chief executive Duncan Sharkey was appointed by Somerset County Council on Wednesday.

Mr Sharkey, who has been chief executive since 2019 of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, will take up the post in the autumn and from next April will become head of the new unitary Somerset Council which succeeds all five existing authorities.

Council leader Cllr Bill Revans said: “Duncan has the experience and ability to lead us into the creation of our new unitary council for Somerset.

“He will bring our staff together across all councils, be innovative in how we deliver our services, and be a powerful advocate for Somerset on the national stage.”

Mr Sharkey said: “It is one of the most exciting jobs in local government and I am honoured and thrilled to have been selected for the role.

“Bringing together staff from across five councils into a new organisation that will design effective new services for Somerset residents is a wonderful opportunity.

“The new council, rightly, has high ambitions both for its services and for the county’s economy. I very much look forward to playing my part in its development.”

Mr Sharkey succeeds Pat Flaherty, who will leave after eight years to take up the post of chief executive at Harrow Council.