Frances Rutter has been appointed chief executive of Epsom and Ewell Borough Council at a special council meeting on Tuesday.

Mrs Rutter is only the fifth chief executive in the council’s 72-year history.

She said: “I feel privileged to be entrusted with the position. As interim chief executive I have enjoyed getting to know the borough better.

“Councils face tough times and I look forward to working with councillors, partners and the community in shaping the future of the borough.”

Before her interim appointment, Mrs Rutter was assistant chief executive at Elmbridge Borough Council. The appointment follows the retirement of David Smith in July.

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