EY – formerly Ernst & Young – has admitted Darra Singh as a partner within its government and public sector team.  He joined EY's leading local public sector advisory team 18 months ago.

In his role as partner he will continue to lead in advising local authorities on how to achieve efficient and enhanced services in the face of financial and delivery challenges.

He will also become a member of the advisory government leadership team leading on strategy.

Mr Singh was previously chief executive at Jobcentre Plus, and of Ealing LBC and Luton BC, and chaired the government-appointed Communities and Victims Panel, which investigated the London riots.  He was awarded an OBE in 2004 for services to local government.

He said: ‘I am extremely proud to join the partnership, which serves to highlight our continuing commitment to working with clients to build a better public sector, which maintains and enhances services for the benefit of all.

‘The role of ensuring the public sector is cost-effective for taxpayers, while finding ways to enhance service outcomes in councils and other vital public services has never been more important.