A council officer dogged by controversy in his last job has been appointed as Reigate and Banstead Council’s new chief executive.

John Jory resigned from his post as chief executive of Mid Sussex District Council after he was crticised for allegedly losing taxpayers’ money.

Mr Jory was in charge of the council when an arts festival in Haywards Heath made a loss of £195,000.

The Culture Show, a three-day event which took place in Victoria Park in May 2007, had been billed as the biggest public event in Haywards Heath for several years with big name acts, but only sold 1,175 tickets.

According to The Argus newspaper, council plans to redevelop three town centres in Mid Sussex - Burgess Hill, Haywards Heath and East Grinstead - also fell flat at the beginning of this year after the developer's parent company, Thornfield Properties, went bust.

Reigate and Banstead Council issued a press release saying it was “pleased to announce” Mr Jory had been offered the post of chief executive Council leader.

Councillor Joan Spiers said: “We eagerly anticipate him joining us and helping to develop a new style council for the future, and helping us to take this council from good to excellent.”

His appointment was due to be approved at a special council meeting tonight and follows the retirement of chief executive Nigel Clifford after 35 years with the organisation, eight of them as chief executive.

Mr Jory said: “I am delighted to accept this appointment.

"I have known my predecessor, Nigel Clifford, for some time and admired his leadership and the impressive achievements of Reigate and Banstead Borough Council.

"I look forward to building on that excellent work, taking the council and its services forward into the next decade whilst continuing to improve its performance and give the taxpayer real value for money."

A spokeswoman for Reigate and Banstead Council said: "There were 109 applications for the post of chief executive.

"The employment committee has made a recommendation regarding the appointment which will be considered by full council on May 27.

"Until the recruitment process is complete and the appointment is confirmed we cannot add anything further."

Graham Cook, the council’s director of services to the community, will become the ’s interim chief executive until Mr Jory takes up post.

Mr Jory was unavailable for comment.