A NEW £105,000-a-year managing director has been appointed at Worcester City Council - despite the Green Party trying to scupper it by suggesting the job remains empty to save cash.

Sheena Ramsey, a well known figure on Merseyside where she ran a huge council for nearly a decade before quitting last year, has beat off more than 40 other candidates to secure the top Guildhall job.

Ms Ramsey earned £195,000-a-year at Knowsley Council as its chief executive, and left in October last year during a huge redundancy programme, saying she wanted to help it save money.

She has also played a big role in the ongoing regeneration on Merseyside, helping establish a Liverpool 'city region' combined authority.

She will take over in Worcester from the start of August, replacing Duncan Sharkey who quit in May for a corporate directors job at Milton Keynes Council.

Her appointment was voted through during a full council meeting last night, during which the city's lone Green Councillor Neil Laurenson sat on his hands and refused to back the appointment.

He said: "I happened to 'Google' Sheena Ramsey before this meeting and saw that she left Knowsley Council to help it save money.

"I just wonder whether this council will consider losing its managing director like Knowsley did?"

But both the main Conservative group and opposition Labour Party backed the appointment, saying her CV stood out.

Councillor Simon Geraghty, the leader, said: "This council is an important player in Worcester and we need a head of paid service to drive it forward.

"So this is not something we wish to pursue."

He said Ms Ramsey is "a very capable individual" who beat off more than 40 candidates, including final shortlists of five and then three hopefuls, to land the job.

"I am confident she is the right person to lead this organisation as it focuses on its future and the building of an even more vibrant city," he said.

Councillor Adrian Gregson, opposition Labour group leader, said: "The recruiting process was an exacting one and the decision was unanimous, which is important.

"If there are changes in control after next year's elections I'd be more than happy to work with her as a fellow colleague from the north."

After the meeting Ms Ramsey said: "Worcester is a dynamic and forward-thinking city, and I am relishing the challenge of taking on the role.

"The council will be facing a period of great change over the coming months and years, but I know that our committed and dedicated staff can be relied on to deliver the high quality of service that Worcester’s residents rightly expect.”

In the latter part of her tenure in Knowsley the council was criticised for failings in its education and services for children in care.

But she has a strong track record in attracting private sector investment, boosting employment and working closely with training providers, as well as securing new infrastructure.