Kirklees Council’s chief executive Rob Vincent has announced he is leaving the authority to take up the same role at Doncaster Council.

The Department for Communities and Local Government has invited Mr Vincent to become interim CX in Doncaster for the next 18 months. The process is now subject to a three week consultation period.

Kirklees Council leader Cllr Mehboob Khan said he had considered the DCLG request to allow Mr Vincent to leave, and while he is sorry to see an outstanding chief executive depart, Kirklees is in an excellent position to continue to improve.

He added: “Rob has done a terrific job here, so it is no surprise that when government were considering somebody to lead Doncaster’s improvement journey, they decided to look here.

“He has seen the council through rapid improvement, and has never avoided any issues that needed to be tackled. He has also left us an excellent executive management team who are now in a position to continue taking Kirklees forward.

“I believe it is an honour for Kirklees that the DCLG chose our chief executive – that is confirmation of the job well done here and their confidence in us to continue to improve once Rob is in his new post.”

Mr Vincent will take up his new role from July 1. Although the role is interim for 18 months, he has indicated he will not return to Kirklees at the end of the appointment.

He said: “I am looking forward to committing myself to helping Doncaster re-find its stride and make the progress that all who know the area are looking for. It has great history, some strengths to build on, and good prospects for improvement, and while we are aware of recent problems, it is clear that many individuals, officers, politicians and officers remain highly committed to achieving the best for local people.

“I am delighted to be joining then to help shape a successful Doncaster for the future.”

Cllr Khan has agreed to a shortened notice period of one month for the chief executive.

He said: “I am aware as leader of my responsibilities to Kirklees, but also my responsibilities to wider local government. If by releasing Rob early we contribute to a better outcome for Doncaster and south Yorkshire, I am pleased to be able to help.”

Mr Vincent has been with Kirklees Council for 20 years, with the last five and a half as chief executive.