GLOUCESTERSHIRE County Council has appointed Nathaniel Hooton as the county’s interim Chief Fire Officer and Executive Director of Community Safety.

Mr Hooton, who is currently Deputy Chief Fire Officer, will take up the role from October 1 following the retirement of chief Mark Preece.

He will work alongside Mr Preece during September for a handover before assuming responsibility for Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service and Community Safety.

The appointment follows an internal process, with the council deciding to delay recruitment for a permanent chief until 2027.

The council’s Appointments Committee agreed the delay because of uncertainty surrounding Local Government Reorganisation and what future governance arrangements could mean for the fire and rescue service.

Mr Hooton was selected after an internal expression of interest process, with the council highlighting his leadership experience and role in supporting improvements within the service.

Jo Walker, chief executive of Gloucestershire County Council, said the appointment would provide “continuity and stability” during a period of significant change.

She said: “Nathaniel demonstrated a clear understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing the service, together with the leadership experience, strategic insight and commitment to continuity of leadership required to guide the organisation through this important period.”

Cllr Paul Hodgkinson, cabinet member for Public Health, Communities and Fire, said Mr Hooton brought a “wealth of operational and leadership experience” to the position.

He added: “This appointment ensures strong leadership and stability at a time of change, enabling the service to maintain its focus on keeping communities safe while continuing its improvement journey.”

Ms Walker also thanked Mr Preece for his leadership and dedication to the fire and rescue service and for helping to ensure a smooth transition before his retirement.

Recruitment for the permanent Chief Fire Officer and Executive Director of Community Safety is expected to begin next year.