Former 400m sprinter Andrew Kerr joined the then newly formed Wiltshire Council as chief executive in 2010, taking over from Keith Robinson.

His time in the post has been eventful, balancing the difficulties of the financial crisis and reduced government support, while re-organising the new unitary authority to avoid duplication of services.

Mr Kerr, 52, was the subject of controversy in May this year when he defended a £6,000 pay rise to his salary of more than £180,000 while staff were being made redundant.

He later declined the pay rise in the face of criticism from members of the public and council staff.

Falkirk-born Mr Kerr lives in Neston, near Corsham. He joined the council from North Tyneside where he worked as chief executive for five years.

He was previously a director of leisure and culture at Birmingham City Council, and has worked for the Audit Commission.

One of Britain’s Olympic hopefuls in his youth, Mr Kerr’s athletics career was cut short by bouts of glandular fever when he was 24.

He met his Icelandic wife, Edda, at a conference in France. They have three children, Cameron, Caroline and Rebecca.