Brighton: Chief executive Will Tuckley set to become new council boss

Will Tuckley was the sixth highest earner among the UK's local authorities when he was with Bexley Council, earning almost £260,000.

If agreed at full council on Thursday, Mr Tuckley will become the new chief executive of Brighton and Hove City Council from May 2, two days before the local elections.

The council said Mr Tuckley would come to Brighton and Hove with a vast amount of experience, having been chief executive of the London Borough of Bexley from 2008 to 2015. He then joined Tower Hamlets and led the local authority for the last seven and a half years. 

Will Tuckley

Mr Tuckley said: "I feel extremely pleased and proud to be recommended for the role of interim chief executive at the council.

 "Brighton and Hove is a fantastic city with a huge amount of potential to prosper and develop in the future and, if appointed, I'm very much looking forward to leading the organisation until a permanent chief executive is found.

 "I believe my experience as chief executive at both Bexley and Tower Hamlets will be an asset to the city and allow me to make an impact from the very beginning." 

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Current chief executive, Geoff Raw, announced six weeks ago that he is to start a new role as managing director of Be First’ a new homes and jobs development company at Barking and Dagenham council. 

The proposal to appoint Mr Tuckley, London's longest-serving chief executive, was made by Brighton's six-member appointments and remuneration panel.

The council stated Mr Tuckley's appointment, for at least six months or until a new permanent chief executive is appointed, would ensure a smooth handover before Mr Raw's departure and clear leadership of the council ahead of the local elections. 

Brighton Town Hall

Mr Tuckley would lead the council, which has around 9,000 staff including schools and a budget of almost £1 billion.

Mr Raw, who will remain living in Brighton, said: "I'm delighted Will has been recommended to the role of interim chief executive.

"If appointed, we'll be very lucky to have attracted someone with such a wealth of experience in local government, especially as a chief executive.  

"I and the senior councillors on the appointments and remuneration panel are confident Will will be a fantastic interim chief executive who will lead the council in the right direction until the role is permanently filled.

"The role of chief executive at Brighton and Hove City Council is a fantastic job and one I've had the pleasure and privilege of having for the last eight years of my 12 years at the council.

 "Brighton and Hove is an amazing city with a vibrancy, creativity and cultural diversity unlike any other outside London and I know I'd be leaving the role and city in the safe hands of Will and the wonderful staff who I've been very proud to work with."