North Lanarkshire Council’s new chief

Commenting on his new role, Mr Jukes (56) said: “I must pay tribute to Gavin Whitefield. His vision and determination to deliver high quality council services will be a hard act to follow.

“He is one of the longest serving council chief executives in Scotland. He has lived and breathed the council since his appointment in April 2000.

“I am immensely proud to have worked for him and to be his successor.”

He added: “I am wholly committed to the task ahead. We have in the authority a skilled workforce and committed elected members and during the next few weeks I will be working closely with Gavin and the council leadership to ensure a smooth transition.”