MARK Lloyd has been announced as the new chief executive of Cambridgeshire County Council - the position has been vacant since June. Mr Lloyd's appointment has the support of all three political parties on the County Council, who will give

MARK Lloyd has been announced as the new chief executive of Cambridgeshire County Council - the position has been vacant since June.

Mr Lloyd's appointment has the support of all three political parties on the County Council, who will give formal agreement at a special council meeting on January 10.

Mr Lloyd is currently chief executive of Durham County Council and will take up his post in April 2008. At 40, he will become the youngest chief executive in Cambs County Council's history. For the time being, Gordon Jeyes remains acting chief executive.

Mr Lloyd said he was thrilled with the opportunity to lead Cambridgeshire County Council, adding: "After seven years of working in the North East I believe I have the knowledge and experience to make a real difference in Cambridgeshire and to Cambridgeshire County Council.

"I am proud of what I have achieved in Durham and my goal now is to make Cambridgeshire one of the top performing County Councils in the country.

"Although there are many differences between Durham and Cambridgeshire, the areas also have much in common - growing populations, increasing demands on services particularly from an ageing population, and funding levels that do not match these pressures.

"I am looking forward to working with councillors, officers and the Council's partners in Cambridgeshire to ensure we deliver top quality, value for money services for the County's residents."

The leader of Cambridgeshire County Council, Cllr Keith Walters, said: "I am delighted that we have secured the services of Mark Lloyd who will bring with him a wealth of experience and enthusiasm which enhance his undoubted professional abilities.

"He has the skills and qualities needed to lead the County Council through the challenging and ever-changing agenda we face, and is the right person to lead our drive to further improve the performance and quality of the services we provide to the people of Cambridgeshire."

Liberal Democrat group leader David Jenkins said: "Mark Lloyd has a first class reputation for his leadership of the workforce at Durham County Council. He has an excellent record of achievement in local government.

"He will bring a breath of fresh air and is just the person Cambridgeshire needs to take us forward and tackle many of the issues we are facing."

Labour group leader Martin Ballard said: "Cambridgeshire is the fastest growing county in the country and the person to lead us needs to have the skills and capabilities to meet the challenges that growth presents - both now and in the future.

"I believe Mark Lloyd has the talent, commitment and enthusiasm to take on what will be undoubtedly be a very challenging role.