A NEW supremo has been appointed at Lancashire County Council to replace the authority's long-serving chief executive.

Gordon Johnson announced his retirement in the autumn and leaves his post on the last day of the financial year on March 31.

He will be replaced by the current county secretary and solicitor Max Winterbottom.

Brian Aldred, the current county treasurer, has been appointed director of resources and will act as Mr Winterbottom's deputy.

The appointments are part of a wider shake-up of management structures which are part of a modernisation plan the Government has forced all councils to undertake.

County Council leader John West said: "I am delighted to announce this new top management structure.

"This is a solid team of experienced professionals who will take Lancashire forward in line with the Government's modernisation agenda."

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