Who will be Warwick’s new town clerk?

After a lifetime working in local government in Coventry and Warwickshire, Derek Maudlin, is finally retiring at the age of 71.

Mr Maudlin has spent the past 15 years as town clerk of Warwick, overseeing council debates and donning the traditional grey wig for meetings of the historic Court Leet.

Understandably, there have been many hints of his retiring over the past five years - several from the man himself.

But Mr Maudlin enjoyed the role so much that he didn’t finally hand in his resignation until last month. His post has since been widely advertised.

Council recruitment specialists say: “Warwick Town Council is seeking a dynamic, experienced and forward-looking person for the full-time post of Town Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer.”

The salary scale will be between £28,746 and £31,846.

The new incumbent will be expected to play a key role in the management and development of the town council in Warwick which has an annual budget of some £550,000.

The town owns and manages the Court House, where most of its meetings are held, as well as the allotments.

The successful candidate would also be expected to oversee administration of the Visitor Centres at both Warwick and Leamington as well as public events like Remembrance Sundays.

The town - which is in the process of producing a Neighbourhood Plan - also encourages community events and supports the activities of local organisations.

The person appointed will need a certificate in Local Authority Administration or be working towards one.

He or she will be responsible for not only the implementation of council decisions but for advising elected councillors, managing staff and ensuring the council’s finances are properly accounted for with sound budgets made.