SIMON Birch is due to be named as the new chief executive of Swindon Council.

And although his appointment has yet to be ratified - borough councillors will be called on to do so at a meeting tomorrow night - council leader Coun Kevin Small (Lab, Western) said he was confident the authority had the man with the intelligence and spark to take it forward.

Ironically, after more than 70 people, including chief executives and other senior council officers from across the country, expressed an interest in the post, it was the man who had temporarily held the position since the departure of Paul Doherty last July who got the nod.

Mr Birch, who joined the council as director of environmental services in June 2001, has been responsible for steering the council through a tough period that has seen the Deputy Prime Minister implement a massive recovery plan.

Mr Small, who headed the selection panel, said: "I can confirm the selection panel will recommended to the council that Simon Birch should be the new chief executive. He was the best candidate after the tough interview and selection process.

"Simon has cross party support and I think he has been doing a progressively good job since he stepped in to temporarily take the post. He is a very clever man and I've no doubt he has the quality and professionalism required to take this council forward."

If councillors agree to Mr Birch's instalment his salary would increase by £50,000 to £125,000 making him the highest paid public servant in the South West. He would be in charge of the council's £180 million budget and decide how most of the council tax is spent.

Mr Birch is a chartered planner and was formerly director of environmental services for Guildford Borough Council. Prior to joining local government he worked as a development consultant for more than 15 years, contributing to the regeneration of redundant steel works such as Consett and Hartlepool, to the master planning of academic and defence establishments and to development projects throughout the UK and Hong Kong.

Conservative group leader Coun Mike Bawden (Old Town and Lawns) said: "I wish him every success. The Conservative group is looking for a major drive to improve the performance of the council and should we form the administration in May we will be looking for Mr Birch to be party to some very tough decisions.

"The days for talking have gone and the days for action and solving problems should now be addressed."

The council placed a £3,000 half page advertisement in the Guardian newspaper asking potential candidates with "courage, leadership skills, vision and charisma" to come forward and apply for the post.

Swindon mayor Coun Stan Pajak (Lib Dem, Eastcott) said: "Simon is an evolutionist not a revolutionist and already we have started to see staff morale lift. I endorse his appointment because he is a good man with many virtues, not least the ability to talk and work with everyone."