Geoff Rivers – the former chief executive of South Norfolk DC and St Edmundsbury BC – looks set to become the next top officer at Breckland BC and South Holland DC.

A full council meeting at Breckland will be held on 3 October to discuss the recommendation to appoint Mr Rivers month contract as interim chief executive and head of paid service under the two authorities' shared management structure.

If the vote goes through, his appointment will be effective from 4 October.

The report to Breckland BC states: ‘The council has a shared establishment of only three chief officers, with all but one vacant. It is therefore strongly recommended the council appoint an interim chief executive and head of paid service as soon as is practically possible.

‘The appointment of chief officers is important to allow the authority to continue to be provided with the leadership required.'