Powys County Council’s chief executive Dr Caroline Turner is taking a leave of absence due to ill health, it has been announced.

Former Swansea Council chief executive Jack Straw OBE will take over the role as interim chief from Monday, April 10.

Powys County Council leader Cllr James Gibson-Watt wished Dr Turner “all the very best and a speedy recovery”.

Dr Turner took on the council’s most senior civil servant role overseeing the overall workings of the council in February 2019. Her position includes being the council’s main policy advisor, manager and coordinator.

County Times: Former Swansea Council chief executive Jack Straw.Former Swansea Council chief executive Jack Straw. (Image: Swansea Council)

Mr Straw has more than 40 years’ experience in both local government and the NHS, including as chief executive of Swansea Health Board, director of social services and housing, and chief executive of City and County of Swansea Council.

Speaking about his new role in mid Wales, Mr Straw said: “I welcome the opportunity to work again with the councillors and officers in Powys and will continue the focus on maintaining and improving the vital public services the council and its partners are responsible for."

Powys County Council leader, Councillor James Gibson-Watt said: “Jack is a very experienced local executive officer who is well known to Powys having chaired the council’s Improvement and Assurance Board in the past.

“We look forward to welcoming him back to Powys and in the meantime wish Caroline all the very best and a speedy recovery.”