Oxford City council leader John Goddard has 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 currently the chief executive of High Peak Borough Council in Derbyshire, where he has worked for seven years.

Mr Goddard said: "It was an 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."

"Peter's successes include High Peak Borough Council recently being awarded the Chartermark which is a quality award for outstanding customer services. The council has been assessed as providing good value for money by the Audit Commission and earlier this year they gained the Local Government Chronicle Council of the Year award."

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

Mr Sloman says: "During the selection process I was impressed by the collective determination of councillors and staff to improve the quality of the Council's services and their value for money.

"My job will be to build on the progress which has already been made and to ensure it meets residents' aspirations."