Kerry Dove took over as interim chief executive of Lichfield District Council on 5 November. A permanent appointment waits until after the May 2027 elections.

Kerry Dove is the new interim chief executive of Lichfield District Council. The council’s leadership page now names her in the post and as head of the paid service.

She was recommended by the Appointments Committee on 3 November. Full council met to decide on the evening of 4 November. Minutes of that meeting have not been published yet, but the recommendation was for her to start on 5 November (report to full council, 4 November 2026).

Simon Fletcher, chief executive since 2021, left on 4 November. The report records a resignation but gives no reason, and the council has published no statement about the departure. Our earlier report explains how the meeting was called.

Who she is

Kerry Dove was the council’s chief operating officer, which the report calls “in effect the de facto deputy”. It says she:

  • has worked for the council since January 2023
  • has more than 20 years’ experience in local government
  • has spent seven of those years in senior leadership

She also becomes electoral registration officer and returning officer. Those duties normally sit with the chief executive, and they cover district, parish and by-elections.

Why no one else was considered

The committee looked at three options:

  • An outside interim. Rejected as costing significantly more and taking time to recruit.
  • A competitive process among senior staff. Rejected as prolonging uncertainty and tying up staff and councillors.
  • An appointment ring-fenced to the existing leadership team. Chosen, as the quickest route with the least disruption.

The council’s leader advised that no Cabinet member objected. The report says the job carries no advantage if she later applies for the permanent post.

When a permanent chief executive will be chosen

Not until after the district elections in May 2027. The report says the administration in place then should lead the appointment.

Local government reorganisation is the other reason. The government withdrew its decision on Staffordshire last week, and the report expects a new decision by early 2027. On the current timetable, shadow elections follow in May 2028 and new councils take over in April 2029.

So a permanent chief executive appointed after May 2027 could run the council for less than two years before it is replaced, if that timetable holds.

What it costs

The report says her pay will be set within the chief executive range in the council’s pay policy. It does not give a figure for her. The budget for the post, including on-costs, is:

Year Chief executive post Managing director role, repaid by the trading company
2026/27 £184,530 £40,030
2027/28 £190,080 £41,240

The two jobs are now being split. The chief executive also used to run Lichfield West Midlands Traded Services, the council’s own company, which runs its leisure centres. That company will recruit its own interim managing director, which the report says gives clearer accountability.

What it means for you

  • Services carry on as normal. Nothing in the report changes bins, planning or any other service.
  • Questions about elections now go to a new returning officer. That matters if a by-election is called.
  • The May 2027 vote now has one more consequence. Whoever runs the council after it will shape who leads the staff.

The 2027/28 budget consultation is still open until 18 November.

Sources