SOUTHEND’S new council boss - earning £185,000 a year - has vowed to help the city become the “number one tourist destination in the UK”.

Rob Polkinghorne, currently chief operating officer at Aberdeen City Council, will take up his post following approval by full council yesterday.

He will take over the reins from interim chief executive Andy Lewis, who had stepped in following the resignation of Alison Griffin in April last year The council had struggled to appoint a new chief executive until a recent increase in pay, which saw the chief executive salary rise from from £163,496 to £185,000.

Mr Polkinghorne said: “I am delighted to be appointed as the new chief executive of Southend City Council, and to receive approval from full council.

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“Having the opportunity to be the chief executive of one of the country’s newest cities is something I am incredibly excited for.

“The city has grown significantly over the last few years and I am keen to help drive the ambition to make Southend the number one tourist destination in the UK, whilst also helping to shine the light on the incredible communities that make up the city.”

The recommendation was made by the appointments and disciplinary committee on Wednesday after a lengthy national recruitment and selection bid.

Mr Polkinghorne has a wide range of previous experience having worked for West Hampshire Clinical Commissioning Group and North Yorkshire County Council. He has also worked in the fire and rescue service.

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Stephen George, leader of the council, added: “I am very pleased that Rob has been confirmed as the new chief executive for our council.

“Rob has shown tremendous passion for our c and I look forward to working closely with him so that we can deliver services our residents can be proud of.”

Suitable directors and executive directors have also been in short supply. As a consequence, executive directors will see their pay rise from £108,997 to £123,000, a 12.8 per cent increase.

Directors are also set for a 1.75 per cent increase backdated to April 2021 Mr Lewis will remain as chief executive until Mr Polkinghorne takes up his post. A start date will be agreed in the coming weeks.