New chief executive appointed at county council

Leigh Whitehouse was previously interim chief executive at Surrey County Council

A new chief executive has been appointed at West Sussex County Council (WSCC).

Leigh Whitehouse is moving from Surrey where he is currently the county council's interim chief executive.

He replaces Becky Shaw who moves back to being the full-time chief executive at East Sussex County Council.

Mr Whitehouse said it was a "real privilege" to get the job and that he was joining the county "at a time of sustained improvement".

Ms Shaw had been acting as chief executive of both East and West Sussex since January 2020, after Nathan Elvery left WSCC.

Mr Whitehouse was formerly Surrey's deputy chief executive and executive director of resources.

He has more than 25 years’ experience in local government.

Councillor Paul Marshall, WSCC leader, said: “Leigh will be joining us at a time of continued investment and strengthening of the key services that support our residents, communities, and businesses."

Mr Whitehouse added: “While our sector is facing huge pressure with continued uncertainty and growing demand for our services, the council is well placed to meet these with confidence."

Ms Shaw will continue in the post until her replacement is ready to join West Sussex, a spokesperson said.