Wyre appoints chief executive

Rebecca Huddleston will take over the role from Garry Payne when he retires in March.

As chief executive of Wyre Council, Huddleston will be charged with leading and managing the local authority in achieving its strategic vision. Huddleston is currently a local government senior consultant at KPMG.

Prior to joining KPMG, Huddleston had been assistant director of transformation and reform at Rochdale Council. She also spent 14 years working at Chorley Council in various roles, ending her time at that local authority as director of policy and governance.

“I am absolutely delighted to be appointed as Wyre Council’s next chief executive,” Huddleston said.

“I’ve worked in local government throughout my career and I’m passionate about the vital role that district councils play in creating the conditions for communities, places, and businesses to thrive,” she continued.

“I’m really looking forward to getting started and to continue to deliver the very best services to Wyre’s residents and businesses, building on the great work that Garry Payne has led in his time in post.”

News of Huddleston’s appointment comes in the midst of another substantial leadership change at Wyre Council – Cllr Michael Vincent becoming Leader after Cllr David Henderson stepped down on 30 November.

Vincent said he was looking forward to welcoming Huddleston to Wyre.

“She brings a wealth of experience, skills, and knowledge of local government and shares our vision to make a difference for the people of Wyre,” Vincent said.

Learn more about what’s going on in Lancashire at Place North West’s Lancashire Development Update on 9 February 2023.