STEVEN Broomhead is to return to Warrington Borough Council as interim chief executive, the Guardian can reveal.

He will take over from Diana Terris on a temporary basis from next month.

Ms Terris is leaving to move to a new job in Barnsley in July.

Mr Broomhead will take on the role on a part time basis for six months from June 26, subject to the backing of the council on June 25.

The decision was made with unanimous cross-party support from the chief officer employment committee, according to the council.

Council leader Clr Terry O’Neill said: “We are pleased that Steven has accepted our offer of the position of interim chief executive.

“He will play a critical role over the next six months in helping to reshape the council in the light of huge financial pressures.

“Steven has an outstanding track record and shares our vision for putting the people of Warrington first so I have every confidence his considerable experience will stand him in good stead for this role.”

Chairman at the Warrington Wolves, he previously occupied the position for five-and-a-half years before leaving in 2003 to take over as head of the Northwest Regional Development Agency.

He was the first chief executive at Warrington Town Hall to earn more than £100,000 a year.