Liverpool City Council unveils new chief executive almost eight months after the departure of Tony Reeves. Tony McDonough reports
Liverpool City Council has unveiled Andrew Lewis as its new chief executive.
Mr Lewis joins the council from Cheshire West and Chester Council, where he has been chief executive since 2018. His appointment was announced at a full meeting of the council at Liverpool Town Hall on Wednesday evening.
He replaces former chief executive Tony Reeves who quit in July 2022 after four years in the role. He had been the authority’s most senior official during one of the most troubling periods in its history.
The publication of the Max Caller report which identified a “fundamental failure of governance” has seen Government commissioners take over the running of the council.
Mr Reeves came under more pressure when a series of errors over the city council’s electricity contract emerged. It has added millions of pounds to the authority’s power bill.
Previous to his current role, Mr Lewis was the first managing director of the Tees Valley Combined Authority from 2016-2018. He was also assistant chief executive at Newcastle Council from 2010.
Prior to that he was a senior economic advisor at the Treasury. He specialised in employment, tax and international policy.
He said: “Liverpool City Council is at an important staging post in its journey of improvement, and I’m proud to take on this responsibility to support the Council and the city at this critical time.
“Liverpool is such a great global city, and its people deserve the very best from their council.
“There is so much goodwill and commitment to build upon, from councillors, staff and partners, and I am confident we can make greater progress together.”
Mayor of Liverpool, Joanne Anderson added: “Andrew Lewis has a strong track record working across all areas of local, regional and national government throughout his career, and I am delighted to announce his appointment.
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“He has a clear vision to deliver on our ambition of transformed public services, with residents at the heart of our decision making.
Lead government commissioner Mike Cunningham, also said: “Andrew Lewis impressed all of those involved in the selection process with his clarity, his determination, his commitment to public service and his wealth of experience.
“I really look forward to him joining Liverpool City Council and working with him to continue to build on the improvements that we’re already beginning to see.”