Kerry Dove has been appointed interim chief executive of Lichfield District Council following the departure of Simon Fletcher, with permanent recruitment planned after the May 2027 elections.
This article is based on reporting from the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), a BBC funded initiative set up to strengthen reporting on local democratic issues. The Staffordshire Signal has taken part in the scheme since September 2026, which means we're able to draw on a selection of LDRS stories alongside our own.
What’s new: Kerry Dove, previously the council’s chief operating officer, has been appointed interim chief executive following Simon Fletcher’s resignation.
Why it matters: The temporary appointment is intended to provide leadership stability and continuity while the council prepares for future changes.
What’s next: Recruitment for a permanent chief executive is planned following the district council elections in May 2027.
A Staffordshire council has appointed a new temporary chief executive. This comes as the former top council boss at Lichfield District Council announced their sudden resignation late October.
Kerry Dove, the council’s former chief operating officer (COO), will take on the top job following the departure of Simon Fletcher. She was made COO in December 2022 with the task of transforming and improving the way services are delivered to residents and businesses.
Before joining the council she worked as the Assistant Director for Strategy and Transformation at Staffordshire County Council with responsibility for policy, insight, digital and transformation. Prior to this she worked for the Audit Commission and Telford and Wrekin Council.
Councillors at the local authority were asked last night to approve the interim appointment. It is planned that the recruitment for a permanent chief executive will take place following the local elections after May 2027.
The chief executive role carries an annual salary of £184,530, more than the Prime Minister’s, and includes overall responsibility for the council’s governance.
This article has been provided by The Staffordshire Signal. Click below to find more local news.
More from News from The Staffordshire Signal
-
JCB Digger Poppy Badges Raise £12,500 for Royal British Legion Appeal
A commemorative JCB digger pin badge created by a retired Staffordshire firefighter has raised £12,500 for the Royal British Legion, with thousands sold to supporters around the world.
-
How to Save Money on Fuel & Repairs: Simple Ways to Make Your Car More Efficient
With petrol and diesel prices putting pressure on household budgets, a few changes to the way we drive and maintain our cars could help motorists spend less this winter.
-
Five Green Belt Homes in Cheddleton Approved Despite Planning Officers’ Objections
Standfirst: Staffordshire Moorlands councillors have backed plans for up to five homes off Cheadle Road in Cheddleton, despite concerns about the development’s impact on the countryside.
-
Stoke-on-Trent Haulage Boss Accuses Council of Delaying Lorry Park Planning Decision
The owner of Campbell Road Lorry Park has accused Stoke-on-Trent City Council of moving the goalposts over a planning application, while council officers insist drainage, ecology and highways concerns remain unresolved.
-
Stoke-on-Trent Council Faces £10.8m Overspend as Care Costs Reach £30,000 a Week
Stoke-on-Trent City Council is facing mounting financial pressures as rising children’s and adults’ social care costs push its projected overspend to £10.8 million, despite millions in exceptional government support.
