> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Kerry Dove Appointed Interim Chief Executive of Lichfield District Council Following Simon Fletcher’s Resignation - URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/kerry-dove-appointed-interim-chief-executive/ - Published: 2026-11-09T08:48:07.000Z - Updated: 2026-11-09T08:48:07.000Z - Description: Kerry Dove has been appointed interim chief executive of Lichfield District Council following the departure of Simon Fletcher, with permanent recruitment planned after the May 2027 elections. - Author: The Staffordshire Signal Newsroom - Tags: Politics ![Local Democracy Reporting Service](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/09/ldrs-logo.png) This article is based on reporting from the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), a BBC funded initiative set up to strengthen reporting on local democratic issues. [The Staffordshire Signal](https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/) has taken part in the scheme since September 2026, which means we're able to draw on a selection of LDRS stories alongside our own. THE SIGNAL BRIEF What’s new: Kerry Dove, previously the council’s chief operating officer, has been appointed interim chief executive following Simon Fletcher’s resignation. Why it matters: The temporary appointment is intended to provide leadership stability and continuity while the council prepares for future changes. What’s next: Recruitment for a permanent chief executive is planned following the district council elections in May 2027. A Staffordshire council has appointed a new temporary chief executive. This comes as the former top council boss at Lichfield District Council announced their sudden resignation late October. Kerry Dove, the council’s former chief operating officer (COO), will take on the top job following the departure of Simon Fletcher. She was made COO in December 2022 with the task of transforming and improving the way services are delivered to residents and businesses. Before joining the council she worked as the Assistant Director for Strategy and Transformation at Staffordshire County Council with responsibility for policy, insight, digital and transformation. Prior to this she worked for the Audit Commission and Telford and Wrekin Council. Councillors at the local authority were asked last night to approve the interim appointment. It is planned that the recruitment for a permanent chief executive will take place following the local elections after May 2027. The chief executive role carries an annual salary of £184,530, more than the Prime Minister’s, and includes overall responsibility for the council’s governance. Competition 2pairs to win ### Win tickets to see the *Mediaeval Baebes* at Stoke Minster 30th Anniversary Concert • Saturday 19 December Torchlit processions, ancient songs and voices that sound centuries old, all in one of the city's most atmospheric buildings. Entering is free. [Sign up to the newsletter to enter](https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/#/portal/signup) **Already a subscriber? You're automatically entered.** Closes 11.59pm, Friday 20 November 2026\. [Full details and T&Cs](https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/win-tickets-to-see-the-mediaeval-baebes/) Photo: Rob Kelly Council leader Doug Pullen told councillors: > “The council is required under section 4 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 to designate one of its officers as head of paid service. Given that the current chief executive and head of paid service leaves office on 4 November it is necessary for us to ensure that appropriate statutory arrangements are in place from 5 November.” The recommendation to appoint Kerry Dove as interim chief executive came from the appointments committee at the council. The committee considered three options: recruiting an external interim chief executive, running a competitive internal recruitment process or appointing an existing member of staff on an interim basis. It said an external appointment would involve greater costs, while a competitive process could have prolonged uncertainty over the council’s leadership. The committee recommended an interim appointment. They concluded that this option ensures stability and retains valuable organisational knowledge. Additionally, following the elections in May, greater clarity around local government reorganisation will be known. A report to councillor said: > “Option 3, a ring fenced internal interim appointment was the recommended approach, on the grounds that it balances the Council’s immediate need for stability and continuity, utilises existing skills and experience and preserves the flexibility for the Council to determine its permanent leadership arrangements following the District Council elections in May 2027. > > “Following the elections in May 2027, a further report will be brought through the appropriate governance route setting out proposals for the recruitment and appointment of a permanent Chief Executive. By this point, we may also have greater clarity from Central Government on the future direction of LGR.” Written by Jonathan Sutton, Local Democracy Reporter. ![The Staffordshire Signal](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/Logo-website-PNG-close-crop-green-4.png) Why the Signal exists ## Real news takes time. Thanks for taking yours. 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