A new chief executive could be appointed to Eastbourne Borough council as early as the autumn.

A timetable has been agreed to appoint a new chief following the sacking of former boss Sari Conway.

Internal advertising will start from August 20 but an external candidate has not been ruled out.

Shortlisting of candidates will take place after the closing date of September 20 before interviews start, possibly from September 28.

The post has been vacant since February, when Mrs Conway was sacked from her £72,000-a-year post for gross misconduct.

A year-long inquiry concluded that she had destroyed relationships with some colleagues through her abrasive style.

Contenders for her former position include the council's corporate resources manager Martin Ray, who has taken on the chief executive's duties since the dismissal.

Also in the frame are strategy director Norman Kinnish, chief finance officer Sue McHugh and tourism director Ron Cussons.

Council leader Graham Marsden said: "Hopefully there will be an appointment by the autumn, but certainly by the end of the year."