Cheshire East Council has appointed an interim Chief Executive

Cheshire East Council has appointed Paul Walker as interim Chief Executive.

Mr Walker has previously served as chief executive of Herefordshire Council and has held other senior roles in local government, including executive director at Blackpool Council, chief executive at Copeland Borough Council, executive consultant at Rossendale Council and corporate director at the London Borough of Harrow.

Leader of the council, Councillor Nick Mannion said:

“I would like to welcome Paul to Cheshire East Council.  He is an experienced local government chief executive with a proven track record in a range of senior roles.

“We look forward to working with Paul to further stabilise and strengthen leadership and maintain the pace of our improvement, ahead of appointment to the permanent chief executive role.”

“I would also like to thank Helen Charlesworth-May for covering the duties and delegations of the chief executive in addition to her responsibilities as executive director of adults, health and integration. Thanks also to our corporate leadership team who have worked together to support Helen and the wider organisation over the last few months, providing leadership and maintaining the focus on delivering improvement and better outcomes for residents.”

Deputy Leader of the council, Councillor Michael Gorman said:

“I would like to join Nick in welcoming Paul to the council in this crucial role.

“Paul brings with him a wealth of experience, across key priority areas, including, leading transformation and improvement, and driving key strategic capital projects and regeneration.

“He joins us at a crucial time as we continue to become a more efficient, effective and enabling council, while embracing the government’s deeper devolution agenda for the benefit of our communities and businesses.”

Mr Walker said:

“I am looking forward to meeting and working with councillors and staff at the council, and our partners, businesses and communities. Cheshire East has many strengths and is on track to make significant improvements, bringing financial stability and really making a difference for residents and businesses.

“This is an exciting time to join the council. We have a clear plan for improvement and transformation, and a developing vision for economic growth, maximising the potential of the new Cheshire & Warrington Combined Authority. There are many opportunities ahead and we know and understand the challenges – I look forward to supporting the council, councillors and colleagues as we continue to deliver for Cheshire East,” 

Mr Walker will join the council on Monday 19th October.

Recruitment of a permanent chief executive for Cheshire East Council is underway, with the expectation that the successful candidate will start around spring 2027.

Pictured - Paul Walker, Interim Chief Executive of Cheshire East Council.