Rotherham Council announces new CEO

Ms Kemp — currently strategic director (reform) at Manchester City Council — was chosen for the £160,000 job from 15 applicants.

She said: “The last six years at Manchester have been challenging but rewarding as I’ve worked with colleagues to help the organisation and its partners adapt to new ways of working to mitigate the impact of funding reductions, while seizing the opportunities associated with reformed services and devolution. 

“I believe this experience, allied with what I learned in my previous roles, will equip me for this new role and, subject to it being confirmed, I look forward to taking it on and working with the team at Rotherham Council to make a positive difference.”

The final interviews were done by an all-party panel yesterday. Ms Kemp worked as assistant chief executive at Haringey Council in London in the aftermath of the Baby P case.

Prior to that, she was for six years in Blackburn with Darwen, working in regeneration. She began her career with Greater Manchester Police.

Ms Kemp was born and lives in Lancashire. Outside of work, she runs and climbs hills, is a volunteer trustee for the YMCA in Manchester and a school governor. She has an honours degree in public administration.

A council spokeswoman said: “Subject to a formal offer being made and accepted, it is hoped that Sharon will join on March 1, 2016.”

Normal process would need the nomination to be ratified at a full council meeting but the appointment is a decision which can be made by Rotherham’s commissioners under the current set-up.

As a courtesy, however, lead commissioner Sir Derek Myers has written to all elected members to seek comments and objections.