Angie Ridgwell steps down

After six years, the Lancashire County Council chief executive will leave the area to take on the role of chief executive at Hertfordshire County Council.

Angie Ridgwell has been chief executive of Lancashire County Council since 2018, helping the county navigate the Covid pandemic and prepare for a devolution deal.

“I have loved my time at Lancashire County Council and like to count myself as an honorary Lancastrian,” Ridgwell said.

“During my six years at the authority I have worked with many talented people who have the interests of Lancashire’s residents and businesses firmly at heart.”

Ridgwell continued: “As the lead officer of a large organisation, I am very proud of everything we have achieved as a council during the past six years and the progress we have made.

“Together with our partners we have worked hard to cushion the effects of Covid – which hit our county hard – strengthen our economy and build resilient services.”

Ridgwell’s appointment in Hertfordshire is set to be approved on 25 June at the county council’s cabinet meeting. In addition to her time at Lancashire, Ridgwell has also worked as the director general for corporate services at the Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy, as an interim strategic director at Bristol City Council, and as chief executive of Thurrock Council.

Reflecting on her successor in Lancashire, Ridgwell said: “Whoever replaces me will have the pleasure of working with some of the most committed and passionate people I have ever met.”

The county council is now looking for a new chief executive.