Harrow Council's leader says the appointment of the new chief executive will give the authority stability.

Councillors last night agreed to appoint Michael Lockwood as chief executive of Harrow Borough Council, almost a year after the role was scrapped.

In November last year the then Conservative administration deleted the position, which Mr Lockwood had previously held since April 2007.

At last night's meeting,Labour group leader Councillor David Perry said: “After coming to power in May I was saddened to find our reputation as a council was not what it used to be.

“Deleting the role last year had made us the laughing stock of London.

“Bringing back the role will give this council stability and help to deal with £75million worth of cuts in the next four years and help us deliver our plans for the regeneration of Harrow.”

Cllr Perry stressed the administration had consulted on the proposals with staff, councillors and union members, and responses favoured bringing back the job.

In response, Conservative group leader Susan Hall said the council did not need a chief executive.

She said: “When we were in charge we put in place a whole new structure and we saved the council money.

“You say the hiring process was robust. It wasn’t, it was a sham and a complete disgrace.”

The Conservative group claims the role will cost the council £1million over four years, which they argue is money that could be used on other services.

Cllr Paul Osborn wished Labour group “good luck” in explaining to people why their services were being cut to pay for the chief executive's salary.

The position of most senior officer in the council previously paid an annual salary of £183,097, but it is understood the role will pay £20,000 a year less than before.

A total of 33 councillors voted in favour of the appointment and 25 voted against it, with two members abstaining from the vote.