Staffordshire Moorlands District Council has appointed a new Chief Executive after the position lay vacant for six months.

The previous Chief Executive, Simon Baker, retired in a shock departure in March after being with the Moorlands council for 22 years.

The retirement came just three days after Assistant Chief Executive Mary Walker resigned, and it remains unclear why the pair left their posts.

At a Council Assembly meeting held on Zoom on Wednesday, 9th September, the council agreed to appoint Andrew Stokes as the new Chief Executive.

He was also appointed as Head of Paid Service, Returning Officer and Electoral Registration Officer.

Mr Stokes had previously been appointed as Acting Chief Executive following Mr Baker's retirement.

According to the council's 2019/20 pay scales, the Chief Executive received a basic salary of between £151,373 and £164,165.

At Wednesday's meeting, Council Leader Cllr Sybil Ralphs praised Mr Stokes.

She said: "Andrew interviewed brilliantly. He has been with us for over 20 years, and we were delighted when he accepted the appointment.

"I think all councillors tonight will join with me in agreeing that Andrew has kept our members up to date on the workings of our authority, and we were very grateful for that.

"He has a wealth of experience, and I will look forward to working with him because he is just what we need. Tonight we will approve that appointment."

Following Mr Baker's retirement, the council's Opposition Leader, Cllr Mike Gledhill, said "something has gone seriously wrong" and called for an enquiry to "establish the full facts".

At Wednesday's meeting, Cllr Gledhill also supported Mr Stokes' appointment, saying: "He's got an excellent track record, and I think he will lead the authority with vision and hard work."

Councillors then took a named vote, appointing Mr Stokes as the new Chief Executive.