A NEW chief executive has been agreed for Sunderland City Council.

Patrick Melia, who is currently chief executive at North Tyneside Council, is due to take up his Sunderland post in August.

Mr Melia will replace Irene Lucas who joined Sunderland on an interim basis in 2016.

City council leader, Councillor Graeme Miller, said: “A thanks must also go to all the candidates who expressed an interest and who applied for the vacancy.

“It was a very strong field and I believe it reflects the high regard that Sunderland is held, in not only the North East, but also across the country when we can attract so much interest and so many strong candidates.

“As a city, Sunderland continues to change and it continues to move forward, even in what are difficult and trying times for all local authorities.”

Mr Melia was born in Jarrow, has lived in South Tyneside all his life, and has been chief executive at North Tyneside since 2013.

He was previously a corporate director at South Tyneside Council, and has held senior posts at Durham Police and the Probation Service.

His career background is local government finance and he has an MBA from Durham University Business School. At North Tyneside he has led on projects such as the Whitley Bay Masterplan, the regeneration of Swans in Wallsend and a re-organisation of the council.

He said: “I’m very proud to have been given this opportunity to join Sunderland City Council and the city. Everyone knows Sunderland is a very dynamic and growing city that has a strong sense of community.

“I’ve watched the changes in Sunderland from the sidelines and I’m looking forward to now joining the team. As a council, Sunderland will continue developing efficient, successful and sustainable services for residents, and attract investment to help the city grow and provide an economic boost for everyone.”