Hertfordshire County Council has a new candidate for its chief executive.

Owen Mapley was recommended to the post by the council’s Employment Committee and will now go before the full council on October 25 before approval.

In addition to being chief executive, Mr Mapley will also be head of paid service.

Mr Mapley, who has lived in Hertfordshire since 2001, joined the county council in 2016 as director of resources, with responsibility for the council’s overall financial management and all corporate services.

He has also been the chief officer responsible for Hertfordshire's Libraries and Heritage Services.

He said: “Hertfordshire is a brilliant place to live and work. I am committed to working closely with councillors, residents, colleagues and partners to continue delivering great services to local people.”

David Williams, leader of the council said: “We are delighted to recommend Owen Mapley as the chief executive of Hertfordshire County Council.

“Since joining the council from the Home Office in 2016, he has made a significant contribution to the council’s senior leadership as the director of resources.

“Owen will succeed John Wood who has spent 27 years with the council - including the last 6 years as an outstanding chief executive.”

Stephen Giles-Medhurst, leader of the Liberal Democrats group said: “Owen was the best candidate on the day for the job from a very strong field. Our group looks forward to working with him as the new chief executive. We hope he will build on the stupendous work done by John Wood.”

Judi Billing, leader of the Labour group said “John will be a massively hard act to follow. However, I’m sure that Owen will have watched and learned over the past two years he has been at the county council. I am confident that he will make an excellent chief executive.”