Executive makes permanent return to top council position

Rob Vincent has been in charge at Doncaster Council since July 2010, and was told by Communities Secretary Eric Pickles to turn around the failing authority.

Mr Vincent’s contract is set to end in December, and the process to find his replacement, who was yesterday named as Jo Miller, began in July.

Mrs Miller, whose appointment was yesterday approved by Mr Pickles, is currently deputy chief executive of the Local Government Association.

She ran Doncaster Council for a matter of weeks in summer 2010 after previous chief executive Tim Leader stepped down and before Mr Vincent was appointed by the Government.

She said yesterday: “It is an honour and a privilege to be chosen to serve as the new chief executive of Doncaster Council.

“During my short stint as interim chief executive last summer Doncaster and its people got beneath my skin and it is exciting to be part of Doncaster’s positive future.”

Councillor Glyn Jones, who served as chairman of the appointment panel, said: “Getting the right chief executive for Doncaster was an extremely important decision.

“The Secretary of State has appointed someone who can work with members, the mayor and officers to carry on the positive work Rob Vincent has already started.”

No start date for Mrs Miller has been set, and her appointment must be approved by the full council in the next few weeks.

Mayor Peter Davies said he was delighted and added: “We developed an excellent working relationship during her time here last year and I am confident we can deliver what is in the best interests of Doncaster.”