Andy Keeling: from running the Falklands to Cornwall Council

A man who has already run one government from the top has been brought in to help steady another, one considerably closer to home.

Cornwall Council has appointed Andy Keeling as its Interim Deputy Chief Executive, stepping into the role from Monday (14 September) while the council’s Chief Executive is on a leave of absence.

📷Cornwall Council's announcement of Andy Keeling's appointment. Credit: Cornwall Council

From Leicester to the South Atlantic

Andy is a highly experienced local government leader. He previously served as Head of Paid Service at Leicester City Council and, most recently, as Chief Executive of the Falkland Islands Government, the administration running the South Atlantic British Overseas Territory of around 3,000 people.

He joined Leicester City Council as a housing officer and rose through the ranks over more than a decade, taking charge as chief executive and head of paid service in 2011. In 2021 he swapped a city of half a million people for one of the smallest governments in the world, spending four years running the Falklands before the appointment at Cornwall Council.

Filling the gap at County Hall

Cornwall Council’s own Chief Executive, Kate Kennally, is currently on a leave of absence, and Andy’s appointment is intended to provide continuity while that situation continues. Kate has led the authority since January 2016, seeing it through three different political administrations. Full details of the appointment are on the council’s own website, www.cornwall.gov.uk.

What the Council Leader said

Cornwall Council Leader Cllr Leigh Frost welcomed the appointment.

“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.”

📷Andy Keeling, Cornwall Council's new Interim Deputy Chief Executive. Credit: LinkedIn