Ged

A new era is to begin at Lancashire County Council with the appointment of new chief executive Ged Fitzgerald. Last year, according to figures published by the Taxpayers' Alliance, Ged Fitzgerald was England's eighth highest paid chief executive working outside London, with a £170,036 pay packet. On June 1 he replaces the man who sat at number six in that Town Hall Rich List with £181,827 - although Mr Fitzgerald arrives on a salary of £190,000.

Ged was appointed to my Urban Programme section in Knowsley many moons ago. Good to see he's still smiling! I wish him the best of luck.