By Jamie Hailstone Leicester City Council boss Rodney Green is believed to be on the shortlist to become Birmingham’s new chief executive, as the race draws to a close. The council has confirmed that three candidates will be interviewed next week for the £195,000-a-year job, ahead of a final decision. ‘We had a strong field of applicants that we have narrowed down to three for the final stage in the selection process. These are three excellent candidates,’ said Cllr Alan Rudge, cabinet member for human resources. The shortlist is believed to include current Leicester City chief Rodney Green, Birmingham’s acting boss, Stephen Hughes, and another chief from a South East unitary. Mr Hughes is the council’s strategic director of resources and has been acting chief executive since Lin Homer left last August to head up the Home Office’s immigration and nationality directorate. Ms Homer had been Birmingham’s chief executive for three years, following the retirement of Sir Michael Lyons. Her post was originally offered to US city manager Valerie Lemmie, but she pulled out before taking it up. The American’s deal was believed to have been worth more than £500,000, including a £160,000 salary and an MG Roadster car. l Simon Murphy, currently chief executive of the city’s lobby group, has been appointed as project director for the Birmingham city region. Mr Murphy, who will work for the region’s eight local authorities, said last year that the city council should be prepared to pay up to £250,000 for the right person. j.hailstone@hgluk.com