CITY of York Council Chief Executive Kersten England is leaving to take on the same role at City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council.

Ms England, who has been at the helm in York since 2009, said she would be departing with 'both the excitement of a new challenge and great sadness in knowing what a special city I am leaving behind.'

She said: “It has been my privilege to serve the elected representatives and the people of York, alongside the truly talented, professional and committed people working at City of York Council who care deeply about the families and neighbourhoods of this city.

“I feel proud to have been a part of this authority and all that it has achieved over the past six years, even in the face of reducing budgets and increasing demands.

"Whether this has been in improving the physical infrastructure of the city with the completion of the largest transport infrastructure project for decades - the A59 roundabout, the two new Park&Ride sites - and making great strides in key regeneration sites such as York Central and the old Terry’s site; in attracting big names to York’s business community with the likes of Hiscox and John Lewis; in delivering community and sporting provision for York residents via the Community Stadium and the York Sports Village collaboration; in boosting the city’s connectivity by delivering on our Superconnected City status so that residents and businesses can benefit from faster broadband; or in supporting our most vulnerable communities through our partnership work on the Fairness Commission, Living Wage and financial assistance and inclusion schemes.

"I will always want the best for York and York will always have a staunch supporter in me”.

The appointment has still to be ratified at a full meeting of Bradford Council next month.

Council leader Cllr Dafydd Williams said: “I would like to thank Kersten for the significant and very valuable contribution she has made to leading the officer team in driving forward the priorities of the council for the past six years.

"We know how difficult this has been as our budgets diminish every year, but Kersten has led from the front and met the challenge head on.

“I would also like to thank Kersten on behalf of the Cabinet for her support in delivering our priorities and on behalf of the wider council for the key role she has played in public life since her arrival in York. I wish her every success in her new role”.