A new chief has been appointed at the helm of Bolton Council.

Sue Johnson, the council's deputy chief executive will step up following the retirement of Tony Oakman.

She says she feels ‘honoured’ to take up the role and will start on Monday October 3.

This will see her become the authority’s top non-elected official who will oversee the most senior members of staff and ensure that key decisions are implemented.

Ms Johnson said: “I am honoured to have been appointed as Bolton Council’s next chief executive.

“Bolton is a brilliant, friendly and diverse borough, with many exciting opportunities ahead.

“I will work to enable all our residents to live well, while supporting council colleagues to deliver the best possible service for our community.”

Mr Oakman first announced his decision to step down from the role in June this year after suffering from ill health.

He has served in the role since 2018 and helped to lead the borough through various challenges, most notably the onset of the pandemic in early 2020.

Mr Oakman also served in the role throughout the council’s various Levelling Up bids and was chief executive at the time of the tragic death of leader Cllr David Greenhalgh.

His successor Ms Johnson, who council officials say was chosen after a ‘rigorous and competitive’ interview process, first joined the authority in 2008 as deputy director of corporate resources and became the council’s treasurer in 2014.

Ms Johnson was confirmed in her new role at a meeting of full council on Monday September 26.

Council Leader Cllr Martyn Cox said: “I’m delighted that we have appointed Sue as the new Chief Executive of Bolton Council.

“Her passion and commitment for Bolton, already demonstrated in the last few years as a senior leader at the council, came through very clearly during the interview process.

“She has demonstrated her abilities to meet the challenges and opportunities ahead.

“I have been impressed by her commitment to transforming services for residents, her capacity to lead by example and her ability to work with and develop our talented and diverse workforce.”

Cllr Linda Thomas said: “I just want to thank Tony. I think you’re doing the right thing by retiring, I know you’ve not been very well and I want to wish you a very long and happy retirement to enjoy.”