Harrow Council is expected to appoint a new chief executive, almost a year after the previous one left to take the top job at the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

Sean Harriss, who has previously headed councils in Bolton and Lambeth, has been recommended to the position.

If the choice is approved by councillors a week on Thursday, he will succeed Tom Whiting, who acted as interim CEO following the departure of Michael Lockwood in January.

Cllr Graham Henson, leader of Harrow Council, said: “We were impressed by Sean’s leadership experience in a wide variety of local government contexts and by his track record of delivering outstanding public services.

“We are certain he will do an excellent job here.”

Mr Harriss praised Harrow’s potential, said he was “honoured” to be recommended and that he is “looking forward to the challenges ahead”.

The chief executive role was reintroduced by the previous Labour administration after it was axed under Conservative stewardship.

Mr Lockwood’s position was deemed unnecessary by Cllr Susan Hall, but he was reinstated on a £160,000 salary by her successor Cllr David Perry.

Incidentally, he will be joined at IOPC by Mr Whiting, who is leaving Harrow Council after 14 years to take up the role of deputy director general.