Cheshire East's new interim chief executive starts on Monday – and will cost the council £1,500 a day.

The council sent out a press release yesterday (Wednesday) to announce Paul Walker had been appointed to the role until a new permanent top boss could be recruited.

But it failed to mention the pay – as did the agenda papers to yesterday's meeting of full council, which resulted in some councillors saying they couldn't vote until they knew.

Nantwich councillor Arthur Moran (Ind) said: "Before I actually endorse the interim chief exec, is there any mention in any papers about what the interim chief exec is going to get paid?"

He was referred to the papers, but they only stated the annual budget for the chief exec role is £253,440.

Cllr Dawn Clark (Crewe, Lab) said that, as the portfolio holder, she would 'take the question away and ensure all members are given the information'.

But councillors weren't happy with that.

Sandbach councillor Nicola Cook (Ind) referred to the agenda and said: "Paragraph number 19 says, 'as chief executive, the post holder will likely command a day rate in excess of the budget available', so I'm assuming that, as an interim, we're looking at a rate that's in excess of that budget, and so therefore the question is, what is that rate?"

Cllr Sue Adams (Disley, Con) said: "I will struggle to vote on something, when I don't know how much we're spending."

Councillors were eventually told the day rate would be a cost of £1,500 to the council.

If Mr Walker remains in post for six months this would cost the council £195,000, if he works a five-day week.

Thirty-nine councillors voted in favour of the appointment, 19 abstained and five voted against.

Mr Walker has previously served as chief exec of Herefordshire Council and has held other senior roles in local government, including executive director at Blackpool Council, chief exec at Copeland Borough Council, executive consultant at Rossendale Council. and corporate director at the London Borough of Harrow.

Council leader Nick Mannion (Lab) said: "I would like to welcome Paul to Cheshire East Council.

"He is an experienced local government chief executive with a proven track record in a range of senior roles."

Councillors thanked executive director of adults and health, Helen Charlesworth-May, who has been standing in as chief exec for nearly a year.

Mr Walker said, in the press statement: "Cheshire East has many strengths and is on track to make significant improvements, bringing financial stability and really making a difference for residents and businesses.

"This is an exciting time to join the council.

"We have a clear plan for improvement and transformation, and a developing vision for economic growth, maximising the potential of the new Cheshire & Warrington Combined Authority.

"There are many opportunities ahead and we know and understand the challenges – I look forward to supporting the council, councillors and colleagues as we continue to deliver for Cheshire East."