A PANEL of councillors has unanimously recommended that an officer previously in charge of looking after Hartlepool's vulnerable children and adult's becomes the authority's new chief executive.

A seven-strong cross-party Appointments Panel, chaired by Hartlepool Mayor Stephen Akers-Belcher, will recommend to a meeting of all councillors on 25 March that GillAlexander replaces Dave Stubbs who retires at the end of May after a career at the Council spanning 44 years.

Gill Alexander has been Director of Child and Adult Services for Hartlepool Borough Council since October 2013. Prior to that she was Director for Children, Young People and Learning for North Tyneside Council, a position she had held since 2005.

Cllr Stephen Akers-Belcher said: “Since Gill Alexander joined the Council as a director in 2013 she has played a leading role in driving forward a number of major initiatives.

“Gill is a very experienced officer and the Panel feels that she is the right person to succeed Dave Stubbs as Chief Executive.”

Gill Alexander commented: “I am delighted to be recommended for the post of Chief Executive. Despite the ongoing challenges, Hartlepool Council is at the forefront of some great work and I am confident that exciting times lie ahead for Hartlepool.”