Appointment at South Tyneside Council

Martin Swales is to succeed Irene Lucas as chief executive of South Tyneside Council. The council is due to confirm his appointment next month. Swales is currently executive director of development at North Tyneside Council and has also been lead officer for employment and skills in the Tyne and Wear region. Lucas has joined the Department for Communities and Local Government as director-general for local government and regeneration earlier this year.