A council will be getting a new chief executive.

Medway councillors approved the promotion of deputy chief executive Richard Hicks to the top job.

Mr Hicks – whose job title is also director of place – has been working at the authority for 25 years and before that, was working at Kent County Council.

Councillors supported the appointment at a meeting of the council last night.

Deputy leader Cllr Howard Doe (Con) said: "He has, I think, been very successful in driving the placemaking agenda and actually has really made an effort to bring Medway to a much larger audience, and also has been instrumental in bringing in an enormous amount of investment money that we've had over the last few years."

Mr Hicks will replace Neil Davies, who is retiring at the end of June after spending 24 years at the council, 17 of which as chief executive which pays a salary between £165,000 and £170,000.

Mr Hicks said: “I am proud and honoured to have been appointed as chief Executive of Medway Council.

"Medway born and bred, I have worked at the council for 25 years and am grateful for the support I have received from members in reaching their decision.

"Medway is a great place to live, work, learn and visit and, together with outstanding colleagues across the council, and the support and direction of members, I am confident we can make it even more so.”

The council is also due to get a new council leader after the elections on Thursday, May 4.

Current leader Alan Jarrett is retiring after 26 years as a councillor.