The Employment Committee - Appointments Sub-Committee of Lancashire County Council met on Thursday, 3 September 2026. The primary item scheduled for discussion was the appointment of a Deputy Chief Executive. The meeting also included procedural items such as the confirmation of the sub-committee's constitution, membership, and terms of reference.

Deputy Chief Executive Appointment

The main item on the agenda was the appointment of a Deputy Chief Executive. This discussion was scheduled to take place in Part II of the meeting, meaning it was not open to the press and public. This was because the report relating to this item contained exempt information, specifically information relating to any individual and likely to reveal their identity. The report indicated that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighed the public interest in disclosing the information. The report pack stated that the sub-committee was asked to consider this appointment.

Constitution, Membership and Terms of Reference

The sub-committee was scheduled to consider its constitution, membership, and terms of reference. A report on this matter was presented for information. This report outlined that the Employment Committee had established the Appointments Sub-Committee on 18 August 2026 to act as the appointment panel for the Deputy Chief Executive role. The membership of the sub-committee was noted as comprising two Reform UK members and one Progressive Lancashire member, with County Councillors Stephen Atkinson, Simon Evans, and Azhar Ali OBE nominated to serve. The report recommended that the sub-committee consider and note these details.

The meeting was scheduled to be held at County Hall, Preston. The attendees included Councillor County Councillor Azhar Ali OBE (Leader of the Opposition, Local Councillor Decision - Nelson East), Councillor County Councillor Simon Evans (Deputy Leader & Cabinet Member for Children and Families), and Councillor County Councillor Stephen Atkinson (Leader of the County Council).