Torbay was judged 'poor' by the Audit Commission

The Conservative-run council has been without a chief executive following the retirement of Tony Hodgkiss in September last year.

It was recently categorised as "poor" by the Audit Commission, and has been told it must improve or face government intervention.

Richard Painter - who will take the title of managing director in his new post - is an experienced local authority troubleshooter and led the team which was sent into Hackney in 1997.

He led the so-called "hit squad" which aimed to ensure that the authority raised standards in education and other services.

A search for a new chief executive before Christmas proved fruitless and councillors decided to change the job specification to an interim post of up to three years.

I think he'll show Torbay a few things Councillor Colin Charlwood

Eileen Salloway, Conservative leader of the council, said the change in title represented a "change in culture" at Torbay.

She said: "It was something he suggested and our advisers said it is very much a la mode in local authorities.

"It reflects his job, which will be managing the team of directors that we have got."

Opposition Liberal Democrats welcomed Mr Painter's appointment.

Councillor Colin Charlwood said: "We have now got someone everyone can get behind.

"Members of the public will also know where we are going, and that they have a council that intends to put things right wherever it possibly can.

"From what I have seen of him in the past, I think he'll show Torbay a few things.

"Knowing Hackney as I do, if he has been able to cope with some of their problems, I'm sure he will manage us quite well."

Mr Painter will start work on a part-time basis in Torbay next week, taking up the post full-time towards the end of April.