Media Release: Interim CEO appointed for Greater Essex Combined Authority

Issued on behalf of Essex County Council, Southend-on-Sea City Council and Thurrock Council.

Greater Essex has reached another stage in plans to radically simplify local government in Essex, to improve services and save taxpayers millions of pounds over the years ahead.

Following recent agreement on the decision to create a mayoral combined authority in Essex, plans are shaping up to build the new organisation.

As part of this, Tom Walker has been appointed (subject to call in) as Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Essex Combined County Authority.

This appointment follows a joint recruitment process by Essex County Council, Southend-on-Sea City Council and Thurrock Council.

Tom will lead the crucial next stage in establishing the future Greater Essex Combined Authority,

Tom is currently the Executive Director for Policy, Economy, Investment and Public Health at Essex County Council. He brings extensive experience both in Essex and previously in national government. He brings experience in economic growth, regeneration, housing, planning, and environment policy to the role.

This appointment marks a significant milestone in Greater Essex’s devolution journey and the ability to seize the opportunities that devolution will bring, to drive growth, attract investment and create prosperity across communities.

The combined authority is not a service delivery body, like a council. It is a strategic body that will drive economic growth across a whole economic area using powers and funding devolved from central government.

A multi-million-pound investment fund is expected to be confirmed shortly as the legislation is laid in Parliament to create the new combined authority.

On his appointment, Tom said: “Devolution is a huge opportunity for Greater Essex. Devolution gives us more of the tools to shape our own future, drive business and housing growth, strengthen our economy and invest in the skills that will power prosperity for generations to come.

“I look forward to working with partners across Greater Essex over the coming months to create a new organisation working for the whole system and ensuring the new Mayor of Greater Essex and the combined county authority they lead delivers real impact from day one.”

The new combined authority will come under the leadership of a directly elected mayor from May 2026.

Currently Essex County Council, Southend-on-Sea City Council and Thurrock Council are working on the operating model, constitution and governance framework to ensure the organisation is ready to deliver from the outset.

The combined authority will come into being (known as ‘vesting day’) in spring 2026, with elections for the Mayor of Greater Essex on May 7 2026.