Dennis Bacon appointed Norfolk County Council CEO with £215,000 salary

Dennis Bacon, a businessman and reality television winner, has been appointed as the new chief executive of Norfolk County Council, with a salary of £215,000 a year. His appointment follows a turbulent period for the council, as he steps in to replace Tom McCabe, who resigned shortly after the Reform UK party took control in May.

Bacon, who gained public attention by winning an episode of Channel 4's "Four in a Bed," has a diverse background that includes running a bed and breakfast in Norwich and serving as chairman of the Norfolk Independent Care Association for nearly two decades. This organization supports over 600 care providers and approximately 11,000 staff in the adult social care sector. He has also been involved with the Norfolk and Waveney Sustainability and Transformation Partnership, a cooperative of NHS organizations and local councils, and received an Outstanding Leadership in Public Services award from the county council.

The recruitment process for Bacon's position has faced scrutiny, particularly from opposition leaders. They argue that the council rushed the hiring, with the job advertised for only 24 days. Concerns were also raised that the Conservative party had no representation on the cross-party selection panel. Despite these criticisms, council leader David Bick praised Bacon's blend of commercial and public sector experience, emphasizing his commitment to providing quality services and value for money for Norfolk residents.

Bacon's official start date is set for September 7, pending completion of standard pre-employment checks and final approval from the full council, which will meet next week. His leadership comes at a critical time as the council adjusts to new governance under Reform UK, and his performance will be closely watched by both supporters and critics.