OXFORD City Council leader John Goddard said the authority's new chief executive was a 'unanimous and enthusiastic choice'.

Last night, the council appointed Peter Sloman as its new chief executive.

Mr Sloman, 47, is the chief executive of High Peak Borough Council in Derbyshire, where he has worked for seven years.

Mr Goddard said: "It was a unanimous and enthusiastic choice by the cross-party appointment panel group.

"We were impressed by his commitment to ensuring our council delivers real improvements for local residents."

Mr Sloman will join Oxford City Council on August 20, taking over from interim chief executive Brian Dinsdale.