The chief executive of Harrow Council has been awarded a new contract to help navigate the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Sean Harriss will remain in his post until at least 30 September 2022 following a meeting of the council’s chief officers’ employment panel.

He will remain on the same terms as his previous agreement, including an annual salary of up to almost £175,000.

Mr Harriss was appointed in February 2019 and was initially on a contract until 3 February 2021.

But the council agreed it was necessary to reassess the situation in light of the coronavirus crisis.

Cllr Graham Henson, leader of Harrow Council, said: “I’d like to pass my thanks to Sean – a lot of his experiences as a chief executive elsewhere has allowed us to manage the Covid-19 response more quickly compared to when other things have gone wrong.”

The leader of Harrow Conservatives, Cllr Paul Osborn, agreed that it would be inappropriate to risk having to change things at what could remain a crucial time for the council.

He added that he expects to have a full review of the council’s senior management “when [the Conservatives] take control of the council in 2022”.

Mr Harriss has previously headed councils in Lambeth and Bolton.