CORNWALL Council has appointed a new interim deputy chief executive.

The news comes hot on the heels of the announcement that council chief executive officer, Kate Kennally, is “on a leave of absence”.

Andy Keeling has been appointed to the post following his vast experience as a local government leader, having previously served as head of paid service at Leicester City Council and chief executive of the Falkland Islands Government.

He will take up the role from Monday (September 14).

Responding to the news council leader Cllr Leigh Frost said: “Andy brings a wealth of experience from senior positions in local government and will provide valuable leadership at an important time for the Council. We are grateful to him for stepping into the role at such short notice.”

Ms Kennally has been the CEO at Cornwall Council since January 11, 2016. She was previously strategic director for commissioning and deputy chief executive at the London Borough of Barnet.

She is the highest earner at Cornwall Council, receiving a base salary of £201,661, rising to £239,479 including pension and expenses, according to data from the TaxPayers’ Alliance Town Hall Rich List 2026.

Ms Kennally has been in charge during three political administrations, a Liberal Democrat and Independent coalition from 2016 to 2021, a Conservative cabinet from 2021 to 2025 and the current Lib Dem / Independent coalition, which came to power in May 2025.