Local Government veteran confirmed as council chief executive

Tony Reeves’s appointment as the new chief executive of Wakefield Council has been formally confirmed at Full Council today – 16 April.

He will take up the post with immediate effect and the roles of returning officer, electoral registration officer and combined authority local returning officer from 6 May 2024.

Councillor Denise Jeffery, leader of Wakefield Council, said: “Tony not only has a wealth of strong Local Government knowledge, but he also has extensive experience across our region and our district.

“With his strong leadership skills and passion for our area, he shares in our ambitions and has already hit the ground running as our Interim Chief Executive.

“I am very much looking forward to continuing to work with Tony to make a positive difference to residents’ lives and create a better future for people in our district.”

Reeves added: “I’m very pleased to be returning to Wakefield and to be taking up such a fantastic role.

“There is so much happening right across Wakefield district. From all the cultural plans as part of Our Year 2024. The huge opportunities to drive forward regeneration. And the chance to build on the work of some great frontline services in improving our places and providing support to our communities.

“I’m looking forward to getting started and delivering for residents right across our area.”

Reeves, who has been interim chief executive since 1 April, previously served as Wakefield’s deputy chief executive between 2003 and 2006.

He oversaw some significant changes during his time, including driving forward regeneration schemes across the district.

More recently he has held a number of high-profile leadership roles, including as interim chief executive at Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Council, and chief executive at Liverpool City Council.

Between 2006 and 2014 he also spent eight years as chief executive at Bradford Council.

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