The newly-chosen cabinet at Cornwall Council had to decide this morning if it needed a new chief executive.
The cabinet considered whether to have a chief executive or do away with the role in favour of a head of paid officers.
The choice arose following the departure of former chief executive Kevin Lavery, who left the council to take up a role in New Zealand.
Paul Masters, the former assistant chief executive, is currently in charge on a salary of between £158,000 and £175,000 a year.
The report by Dawn Aunger, head of people and organisational development at the council, said: "One of the strongest arguments in support of the Council appointing a Chief Executive is the current political context.
The more challenging the political environment, the more critical it is that there is strong operational management from a Chief Executive without the commitment of a directorate to lead."
The cabinet voted unanimously to recommend that a panel should be put together to appoint a chief executive.
The matter will now go to full council.
