AN INTERIM chief executive of the Isle of Wight Council has been appointed following the announcement that the current top boss was moving on after six years.

Earlier this month John Metcalfe, the current chief executive, announced a move to Cumbria County Council.

An interim replacement has been named as the current deputy chief executive Wendy Perera. Her appointment was approved at the full council meeting last night (Wednesday).

Multiple councillors from across all sides of the chamber paid tribute to Mr Metcalfe, who first joined County Hall in 1997, and wished him luck in his move.

They also welcomed Mrs Perera who held the deputy position since 2018.

Cabinet member for regeneration and business development, Cllr Julie Jones-Evans, thanked Mr Metcalfe and said: "In the Sound of Music, they say when God closes a door he opens a window, so hopefully your window is bright and the door is opened to Mrs Perera."

Cllr Daryll Pitcher reflected on Mr Metcalfe's career saying he had seen him take his first steps as chief executive, and it was nice to see where it had taken him and now Cumbria was getting one of the council's best.

Deputy council leader, Cllr Ian Stephens said since he joined the council, Mr Metcalfe had always been fair — it didn't matter which side of the chamber a council sat, he treated them all the same.

He said: "You have never shown a bias, but respect for the members and your officers and in my mind, you have left a big space here in the Isle of Wight Council.

"In the last few months, being a cabinet member, it has been quite a comfort to have Mrs Perera, someone who has the ability to step up and step forward. She is a very talented officer and is going to do us very well."

A permanent appointment will be made to fill the chief executive role but, for now, the interim position can continue for no more than 12 months after Mrs Perera starts, before it is reviewed.

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