The new Cumbria Combined Authority (CCA) has taken a step forward with the recommendation to appoint John Barradell OBE as its Interim Chief Executive.
John brings decades of senior leadership experience, including serving as chief executive of the City of London Corporation and Brighton & Hove City Council. He has also led major national resilience efforts, including the Government's Grenfell Recovery Taskforce and the London Strategic Group during Covid‑19. He currently chairs the National Emergencies Trust and serves as a commissioner on the National Preparedness Commission.
John and his family live in Carlisle, reinforcing his passion for Cumbria and his commitment to cementing the county's position on the national stage. He is currently working as Programme Director for devolution in Cumbria.
CCA is a new statutory authority, which will be led by a directly-elected Mayor from May 2027. The role of Interim Chief Executive will help drive Cumbria forward as it embarks on an ambitious devolution journey which will see at least an additional £333 million in funding coming directly into the county, to be spent on local priorities.
Cllr Jonathan Brook, leader of Westmorland and Furness Council and joint leader of CCA, said: "John's appointment would mark a pivotal moment for the new Cumbria Combined Authority.
"His reputation for calm, strategic leadership and his deep experience in complex public‑sector transformation give us real confidence as we take this important step.
"At a time when devolution provides Cumbria with a once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity to shape its own future, John's proven ability to guide organisations through significant structural and governance change will be invaluable. His appointment would bring immediate momentum and clarity to this critical phase."
Cllr Mark Fryer, leader of Cumberland Council and joint leader of CCA, said: "John is widely recognised as a leader of exceptional integrity and vision, and his experience makes him an outstanding choice for this role.
"With devolution unlocking new powers, investment, and genuinely local decision‑making, Cumbria is entering a transformative period; John's extensive background in local government leadership, resilience planning, and partnership working positions him perfectly to help the region seize this moment.
"His appointment would represent a significant step forward for the Authority and for Cumbria as a whole."
John Barradell said: "I'm honoured to be recommended for appointment as Interim Chief Executive of the new Cumbria Combined Authority.
"Throughout my career I've worked with organisations going through big changes, and it's shown me just how important it is for people to work together, be open, and focus on what really matters for the communities they serve.
"My home is Cumbria. It's a place I know well and care about deeply. I know how much we have to be proud of; from world‑leading clean energy and advanced manufacturing to our visitor economy, our strong communities and, of course, our incredible landscape. I want to help make sure these strengths are recognised across the UK and beyond, and that Cumbria and its residents gets the investment, attention and influence it deserves.
"Devolution is a huge opportunity for us. It puts more decisions in local hands and gives us the chance to shape Cumbria's future in a way that reflects our priorities and ambitions. I'm passionate about helping Cumbria make the most of this moment and build on the talent, potential and unique character that make our home so special."
The Joint Appointments Panel made the recommendation yesterday [February 11], and the Joint Executive Committee will now put forward the proposal to the first meeting of CCA Board on March 18. If approved, John will formally take up the strategic role following that meeting.
During its first year, the combined authority will be jointly led by the leaders of Cumberland Council and of Westmorland and Furness Council, prior to the election of a Mayor of Cumbria in May 2027.
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