Blackburn with Darwen Council has set up a joint executive team with an NHS teaching care trust. The appointments are the first stage of a radical management merger of the two organisations aimed at improving the way healthcare is commissioned in the borough. Graham Burgess, who has headed up the unitary authority for nearly four years, is chief executive, while Harry Catherall is deputy chief. Two managing director positions have been established. Andrew Lightfoot is MD of local government services and Neil Matthewman is MD of health services.