A NEW chief executive is set to be appointed at Cumbria County Council.

It was confirmed on Thursday that the council has offered the role to Gill Steward.

Ms Steward will be replacing current chief exec Katherine Fairclough.

Ms Steward said: “I am delighted to be joining Cumbria County Council as the council’s new Chief Executive and I am looking forward to building on its very successful reputation and the fantastic work of Katherine.

“This is a critical time for Cumbria - the challenges of Recovery and Local Government Reorganisation are significant, but Cumbria has a huge opportunity not only to recover but to build a better place and future for the people of Cumbria.”

Ms Steward’s appointment is subject to a formal agreement at June’s Full Council meeting.