The Government has named Bill Butler as its preferred candidate to chair the newly established Local Audit Office, subject to a Parliamentary hearing next month.

Minister of State for Local Government Alison McGovern announced the appointment, with Butler set to serve a five-year term if confirmed by the Housing, Communities and Local Government Select Committee on 16 June.

Butler has public sector and regulatory experience, including his current role as Chair of Public Sector Audit Appointments Ltd, the body responsible for appointing external auditors to English local authorities.

Earlier in his career he served as Chief Executive of the Security Industry Authority and held senior roles at the Gambling Commission, Healthcare Commission and Audit Commission.

The Local Audit Office is central to the Government's manifesto commitment to overhaul the local audit system, with the new chair expected to lead the organisation's establishment and ensure it delivers its statutory responsibilities from the outset.

‘Bill Butler brings a wealth of leadership experience from across the public and regulatory sectors and is exceptionally well placed to chair the Local Audit Office at this pivotal moment,’ McGovern commented.

Butler said he was ‘honoured’ by the nomination, adding that the Office was an important step in ‘securing proper stewardship of taxpayers’ money.’

‘If confirmed, my focus will be on working constructively with colleagues, stakeholders and the sector to establish a robust and effective organisation that discharges its statutory responsibilities and supports the recovery and long term resilience of the local audit system,’ he added.