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Croydon LBC has appointed Mike Jackson as its new interim chief executive.Jackson has previously served as chief executive at Richmond and Wandsworth LBCs and Bristol City Council, in addition to senior roles in the civil service.He will take over in September from Elaine Jackson, who took the role on a 12-month contract and is expected to serve for around six months while a permanent appointment is made.Croydon mayor Jason Perry said: ‘Mike Jackson's appointment will provide continuity and stability as we continue to drive forward our priorities for residents, improve our long-term financial sustainability and create the visible change residents have told us they need.' Rob Cottrill has been appointed as permanent chief executive of Hastings BC.He was initially appointed on an interim basis in 2024 under a shared arrangement with Eastbourne BC and Lewes DC.A review found ‘the arrangement has continued to operate effectively'It added: ‘The council has benefited from continuity of leadership, closer collaboration with Eastbourne and Lewes councils and a co-ordinated approach to the challenges and opportunities arising from local government reorganisation.' West Northamptonshire Council has appointed David Harris as executive director for place, economy and environment.Harris is currently director for property and regeneration at Birmingham City Council and has previously worked at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Sandwell and Solihull MBCs.He will join West Northants in October, taking over from Stuart Timmiss when he retires.Chief executive Martin Henry said: ‘I am delighted to welcome David to our council. His expertise and leadership in regeneration, property, housing and major programme delivery will be invaluable.Jennifer Cleary has been named as director of culture and creative industries at Manchester City Council.She is currently director of combined arts at Arts Council England and has previously served as director of creative engagement at the Manchester International Festival.Cleary said: ‘As a city, our reputation is on a global scale and what Manchester has always done right is placing culture and the creative industries at the heart of its growth strategy.‘This means supporting and championing the arts at every level – from their national and international impact on the city to understanding how impactful the arts can be within communities.' The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has appointed Andrea Keenoy as interim Housing Ombudsman.She is currently the watchdog's chief operating officer, having joined the organisation in 2015.Keenoy previously served as interim Housing Ombudsman from 2018 to 2019.Current ombudsman, Richard Blakeway, completed his second and final term last month.Keenoy said: ‘Our priority is to ensure continuity and stability for residents, landlords and our colleagues and to maintain a high standard of service. Richard Blakeway led the Ombudsman during a period of intense scrutiny on social housing – from leading the conversation around damp and mould to bringing consistency to complaint handling across all landlords, the changes in attitudes and service delivery he has driven have been significant.'

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Croydon appoints interim chief executive

By Martin Ford | 30 July 2026

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