New chief executive appointed at borough council

Andrew Stokes has been appointed Chief Executive of the alliance authorities High Peak Borough Council and Staffordshire Moorlands District Council.

Mr Stokes (pictured) has worked at Staffordshire Moorlands for 21 years and for High Peak since 2008 when the two councils formed their strategic alliance, where he has served as Executive Director and Chief Finance Officer.

He was appointed following the retirement earlier this year of the former Chief Executive.

Cllr Anthony Mckeown, Leader of High Peak Borough Council, said: “Andrew’s long-standing experience with both councils means he knows the communities, the opportunities and the challenges that we face in the High Peak and the Moorlands very well and is ideally placed to steer us through the months and weeks to come.

“None of us underestimates the scale of the task, but with Andrew now in post we can look to the future with the confidence that we all – councillors, our Chief Executive and directors and our staff – share the same desire to provide the very best services to all our residents, businesses and visitors,” he added.

Cllr Sybil Ralphs, Leader of Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, said: “We are delighted to welcome Andrew as our new Chief Executive.

“He has dedicated his working life to public service in local government and his experience is invaluable.

“These are extraordinary times as councils everywhere support residents and businesses through the Covid pandemic, while continuing to provide the essential everyday services people rely on.

“We need a Chief Executive who can anticipate and respond to the changing requirements and demands of the people and places we serve, and who can offer leadership and support to our staff who provide these services, so we are fortunate that Andrew will be at the helm,” she added.