Troubled council finds a new boss

Mr McArdle is taking over the helm at the county council

A new chief executive has finally been appointed at an East Midlands authority plagued by internal wrangling.

Tony McArdle, now in the top job at Wellingborough Borough council in Northamptonshire, will take over at Lincolnshire County Council.

The chief executive position has been empty since the departure of David Bowles last September.

He testified against former council leader Jim Speechley, who was convicted of misconduct in public office.

The county council decided to postpone the appointment after the resignation of the leader of the council leader Ian Croft and the entire executive earlier this year, following a scathing report by auditors.

Job impossible

Some 26 people applied for the position, and six were interviewed over two days at the end of last week.

Mr Bowles went sick and then took the top position at West Lindsey District Council.

He said his job at County Hall had become impossible and he had strained relationships with Mr Speechley and later Mr Croft, who were both leaders of the ruling Tory group.

Martin Hill took over as leader of the council ahead of the May elections and has since been re-appointed to the role.

His group dropped a few seats, but retained a substantial majority over other parties last month.