THE current deputy chief executive of Croydon Council is to become Bexley's new council chief.

Will Tuckley, 48, will take up his post in April.

His appointment was confirmed last week.

Mr Tuckley made the shortlist of 10 after 29 applicants contacted the council about the job.

The final 10 had to undergo a rigorous selection process which included psychometric testing and a personality test.

There was a mock cabinet discussion with council leader Councillor Ian Clement and a formal interview.

Mr Tuckley, who lives with his partner and their young children in Lee, south-east London, has worked at Croydon since 1996 and is also its director of policy and corporate services.

He says he is excited by the prospect of working in Bexley and will play a key role on the Bexley First project, which aims to improve the way the council provides services for residents.

Mr Tuckley's appointment follows the resignation of Bexley chief executive Nick Johnson, who left the council in November due to ill health.