New local government secretary James Brokenshire has today announced the two commissioners appointed to help rescue troubled Northamptonshire CC.

In his first major decision, Mr Brokenshire said the commissioners would be led by former Lincolnshire CC chief executive, Tony McArdle, who chaired the Association of County Chief Executives from 2015 to 2017.

Mr McArdle will be supported by finance commissioner Brian Roberts, immediate past president of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy and former deputy chief executive of Leicestershire CC.

The commissioners are due to be in place until the end of March 2021 and will update the secretary of state every three months on progress.

Mr Brokenshire said: 'It is essential residents are able to have faith in their council, particularly in the responsible use of taxpayers' money.

'That's why I'm taking swift action by appointing commissioners who carry with them a wealth of experience.'

Northamptonshire’s cabinet met this week to approve its own improvement board, which will work alongside Mr McArdle and Mr Roberts.

Cllr Matthew Golby, Conservative leader of the county, said: ‘Establishing an independent improvement board is a key part of our journey as it will enable us to ensure the agreed improvement actions are implemented, and help to restore public and stakeholder confidence in the council.’

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