THE new chief executive at Somerset County Council has arrived for his first day in the office today (Monday, October 3).

Duncan Sharkey got straight down to work convening the most senior officers from the country's five councils.

The focus of the meeting was to create a resilient new unitary council which he will head up from April 1 next year.

The county council and Somerset West and Taunton, Sedgemoor, Mendip and South Somerset district councils are all being abolished to be replaced by a new county authority named Somerset Council.

Mr Sharkey arrives at County Hall after leading the unitary Windsor and Maidenhead Borough Council since January 2019.

He said: "It’s exciting to lead the team in Somerset at such a pivotal moment for the county.

"We are about to create one of the largest unitary councils in the country and we’re going to do it in a way that strengthens relationships with local communities and strengthens our ability to fight for a fair deal for Somerset nationally.

”There are big economic challenges too. Council budgets are hit hard by inflation. We have to get that under control so we can be there for people who need our support. With the team I have around me, I know we can succeed.”

County council leader Cllr Bill Revans said: “I know I speak on behalf of all Somerset county councillors in welcoming our new chief executive.

"Duncan will lead our officers through the transition to the new unitary Somerset Council and the crucial work that follows, transforming services for the better.

"There’s no escaping today’s financial realities, but we must stay focused on our positive vision for a fairer, greener and more prosperous Somerset.”