Plans to bring back a former chief executive to run Caerphilly Council were dropped last night as councillors opted to advertise the role.

The council announced plans on 9 July to bring back Stuart Rosser on an interim basis for six months, following the suspension of acting chief executive, Nigel Barnett, after he was arrested as part of an ongoing police investigation into alleged fraud and misconduct.

Chief executive, Anthony O'Sullivan, was suspended in March, following a report by the Wales Audit Office into pay increases.

But instead members voted in favour of advertising the role of an interim head of paid service.

An appointments panel has been scheduled for 18 July to consider expressions of interest. A full council meeting will be held on 23 July to vote on the committee's decision.

The councils acting deputy chief executive, Sandra Aspinall, has assumed the responsibilities of the head of paid service, while the recruitment process takes place.