WEST Devon Borough Council and South Hams Council have named the successful candidate chosen to succeed their shared chief executive David Incoll, who will be retiring later this year.

The selection of Richard Sheard, the current deputy regional director for Government Office South West, was ratified by both councils at meetings last week.

The two authorities are the first in the country to specifically seek a candidate to fill the joint chief executive vacancy. Nationally, more than a dozen councils have joint chief executives but the post has usually been merged between authorities when one of the two has left.

Mr Sheard was selected by a panel of senior councillors from both authorities, including South Hams leader Cllr John Tucker and West Devon leader Cllr James McInnes. More than 40 people applied for the post.

Mr Sheard has a long and successful career in both local government and the civil service. Before joining Government Office South West he was chief executive at Salisbury District Council for nine years.

Cllr Tucker said: 'We believe Richard has all the attributes to take both authorities forward, particularly with our current initiatives to share more services between us. At the same time, of course, he will be preparing the authorities for the financial challenges that we face over the next four years.'

Cllr McInnes added: 'Richard is particularly strong in his approach to partnership working; an area which we believe will help us greatly in involving our communities more in delivering future services.

'We are certain that Richard will build on David's excellent stewardship. No-one should underestimate the importance of David's work in bringing the two authorities together in these last few years and we are very grateful to him.'