Brent Council has appointed a new assistant chief executive.

Shazia Hussain was chosen by an interview panel led by councillors from the borough’s Labour and Conservative groups.

She previously worked at Tower Hamlets Council for 15 years where she held several director-level roles in customer service, strategic partnerships and culture, learning and leisure.

Ms Hussain said: “I am really excited about joining Brent. The council has set out a bold plan to build a better Brent in its borough plan and I am looking forward to working with the senior management team, elected members and council colleagues to deliver on those ambitions.

“Two of my priorities will be to ensure that we enable residents and communities to be active participants in decision making and that we are able to support local communities and the voluntary sector to access funding and generate income to deliver local projects.”

Working with chief executive Carolyn Downs, she will formally start her role in January.