It's all change at the top of Cheshire West and Chester Council after councillors approved two new senior officer appointments.

A meeting of Full Council yesterday rubber-stamped the appointment of Del Curtis as the authority’s new chief executive, and Professor Helen Bromley as its new director of public health.

Del joined Cheshire West and Chester Council in 2017 and was formerly deputy chief executive of health and wellbeing and NHS director of place for the council.  More recently, she was appointed as acting chief executive to cover the role following the departure of former post holder Andrew Lewis, who left to take the helm at Liverpool City Council.

Helen's career began in nursing. From there she moved into academic and international public health, working in some of the world’s poorest regions for more than 20 years.

She joined the council in 2013 as a consultant in public health and was recently appointed as interim director of public health to cover the role, pending arrangements for permanent recruitment.

Both appointments were confirmed by members at a meeting of Full Council at Wyvern House in Winsford.

Council leader Louse Gittins (Labour) told members: "Del really was the stand-out candidate from the stakeholder perspective, which is great because our partners are really important to work with. I think she's going to be a fantastic addition to our team and our family here."

After being confirmed by a vote to become the council's new top officer Del received a standing ovation in the chamber.

She told members: "I just want to say how absolutely honoured and privileged I feel to be serving you as the chief executive of this wonderful borough council.

"I will do my absolute utmost and best to support our residents to achieve better outcomes and look after our organisation. So thank you so much for putting your faith in me."

In reference to Professor Bromley, Cllr Phil Marshall (Conservative), shadow cabinet member for democracy, workforce and communities, told members:

"She's hugely qualified and experienced with a really rare and impressive CV. Helen has had sustained involvement with Cheshire West and Chester for many years and had a central role in our Covid response."

He added: "Helen has got a really holistic view on what proactive public health really looks like. I hope everyone will congratulate Helen and work together to deliver a far reaching and really important agenda to the borough."

Professor Bromley's appointment was also then passed following a vote. She replaces Ian Ashworth, who recently took up the position of Director of Population Health at NHS Cheshire and Merseyside.