WARRINGTON Borough Council’s Full Council will be asked to approve the appointment of Sarah Smith as the Council’s new Chief Executive at its meeting next Monday, December 1st.
Sarah Smith, currently Executive Director of Health and Social Care at Knowsley Council, has extensive experience in local government, having worked in the sector since 2008. In particular, Sarah has extensive experience of adult services and oversaw a CQC “Good” rating of Knowsley’s adult social care services in August 2025.
The recommendation to Full Council follows a detailed and rigorous recruitment process, which concluded with final interviews carried out by the cross-party Chief Officer Employment Committee on Friday, 21 November
Council Leader Cllr Hans Mundry said: “This is an important appointment for Warrington. We face a number of challenges ahead in terms of managing our budget and delivering on our improvement and recovery plan, and Sarah has the vision and determination to take the Council forward.
“Sarah brings a wealth of experience and a strong track record in public service leadership. We are confident she will provide the vision and stability needed to help guide us into the future. Throughout the recruitment process, her commitment to work hard for Warrington’s residents and communities really shone through, and I look forward to working with her.”
Subject to Full Council approval, Sarah is expected to take up the role early in 2026.
The appointment follows the retirement of Former interim Chief Executive Prof. Steven Broomhead, who announced he was leaving in May.
1 Comment
New broom and an opportunity to bring change.