THE preferred candidate for Bradford Council's new chief executive was today announced as York Council's chief executive Kersten England.

Ms England previously worked for Bradford Council as director of policy and performance, leaving the authority in 2005.

Her appointment has to be ratified at a full meeting of Bradford Council next month.

Council leader David Green, who was chairman of the recruitment panel, said: "Kersten England, currently chief executive at City of York Council, has been selected as the preferred candidate for the job of chief executive at Bradford Council after a rigorous recruitment process.

"The recruitment panel will recommend their preferred candidate, Kersten England, to full Council on May 19 for approval to appoint her to the post of chief executive at Bradford Council.

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"The chief executive at Bradford Council is one of the biggest officer jobs in local government. We are the fourth largest single tier authority in the country, employ around 20,000 people and currently have a net budget of £401 million."

Ms England, who has been at the helm in York since 2009, said she would be departing with "both the excitement of a new challenge and great sadness in knowing what a special city I am leaving behind".

She said: “It has been my privilege to serve the elected representatives and the people of York, alongside the truly talented, professional and committed people working at City of York Council who care deeply about the families and neighbourhoods of this city.

“I feel proud to have been a part of this authority and all that it has achieved over the past six years, even in the face of reducing budgets and increasing demands."