YORK’S top council chief has appointed a new number two.

Bill McCarthy, chief executive at City of York Council, has named Bill Woolley as deputy chief executive.

Mr Woolley will continue in his current role as director of city strategy, but will also work more closely with Mr McCarthy, and with other major organisations, and stand in when his namesake is away.

The post of deputy chief executive has been vacant since Terry Collins left the council in January. The title does not involve any extra pay. Mr Woolley said: “I am really pleased to be asked to undertake the role of deputy chief executive and work more closely with the council’s chief executive, Bill McCarthy, and the rest of the senior management team in making the council more efficient and effective over the coming years.”

Mr Woolley is currently overseeing the council’s multi-million-pound headquarters project, having been handed control after it ran into difficulties last summer.

He is also ultimately in charge of the hunt for a new community stadium for York, and is well-regarded both within and outside the council.

He said of the deputy chief executive role: “It will also give me the opportunity to work even more closely with our external partners, who are crucial to delivering much of the council’s corporate strategy and, in turn, the city’s sustainable community strategy.

“It is a privilege to work in this great city, alongside so many people from both the public and private sector who are committed to its success.”

The appointment was announced by Mr McCarthy in an email to all council staff earlier this week.

He said yesterday: “I’m delighted that Bill has agreed to take on the role. His knowledge of the city, together with his commitment to improvement, will help ensure that City of York Council is well placed to provide excellent services to York.”