Paul Masters confirmed as Cornwall Council's Interim Chief Executive

Paul Masters has been formally confirmed as the Cornwall Council's new Interim Chief Executive. Masters, 50, has worked in local government in Cornwall for 32 years and is currently Cornwall Council's Assistant Chief Executive. Welcoming Members' endorsement of Paul's appointment at today's meeting of the full Council, Council Leader Jim Currie said "I am delighted that the Council has backed the Panel's recommendation. "The next six months will be a very challenging time for the authority, with the election of a new council which will have to deal with the impact of further cuts in government funding. Paul's long experience in local government in Cornwall and his ability to work with all kinds of groups and individuals and manage difficult situations calmly and sensitively makes him the ideal person for the job. "The recommendation to appoint Paul as the Interim Chief Executive was made by the Member Selection and Appointment of Chief Officers Panel and Panel Chairman Jeremy Rowe is also delighted that Members supported their recommendation. "Paul has a strong background in public service and has Cornwall running through his veins" said Jeremy Rowe. "We were all highly impressed with his approach and knowledge of the issues facing Cornwall and we are delighted to be in a position to appoint him. We wish him every success." Masters , who will become Chief Executive when Kevin Lavery leaves to take up a position in New Zealand, said "I have been genuinely humbled by the many messages of good will I have received from people across Cornwall over the past few days" he said. "I am extremely proud of the fact that I have spent my whole career working in local government in Cornwall and will seek to do the very best I can for the Council and for Cornwall. " The appointment will be for a minimum of six months, pending the outcome of the unitary council elections in May and a decision by the new Council regarding the nature of and process for a substantive appointment. The salary level for the post is between £158,000 and £175,000.