Brighton and Hove City Council has announced its new chief executive.

Penny Thompson has been selected as the preferred candidate to succeed John Barradell in the top job.

She was selected by a cross-party panel of councillors following a two-day interview process ahead of two others.

Ms Thompson said:  “I am delighted to have been offered the job of chief executive. 

"Brighton and Hove is a truly wonderful city with huge potential for the future and the city council has an important role to play in ensuring it remains a place where people want to live, work and visit. 

"I look forward to working with staff, partners and elected members of all political parties to help the city fulfil its potential.”

Ms Thompson was the head of the General Care Social Council, which closed last month.

She was formerly chief executive of Hackney Borough Council and a consultant to local authorities, Government non departmental public bodies and the NHS.

Ms Thompson was awarded the CBE for services to social care in 2012.

She will succeed Mr Barradell who has taken up a similar role at the City of London Corporation.

Her appointment needs to be ratified at a meeting of full council later this month.

A council spokeswoman said: "The unanimous endorsement of the panel is that Penny Thompson is recommended for the appointment of chief executive.”