Cumbria County Council has appointed Colin Cox as its new Director of Public Health following an extensive recruitment process.

The statutory position as the county’s chief officer for Public Health will also assume the role of Assistant Director for Health and Wellbeing - with the support and agreement of the Faculty of Public Health and Public Health England.

The post will report to Richard Parry, the council's Director of Health and Care.

Colin Cox is joining Cumbria County Council from Manchester City Council, where he is currently Deputy Director of Public Health.

He will replace Dr Rebecca Wagstaff, the county council’s acting Director of Public Health, who will be leaving shortly to take up a new leadership position at Public Health England.

Councillor Patricia Bell, Cumbria County Council’s Cabinet member for public health, said: "We are very pleased that Colin will be joining us. He has both experience and an excellent reputation in the public health sector and we are looking forward to him joining the county council.

“I would also like to thank Rebecca Wagstaff for the invaluable leadership she has provided during the important transition of public health, from the NHS to the county council, this year and wish her luck in her new role.”

The appointment of Cumbria’s new Director of Public Health was made jointly with Public Health England in line with national guidance.