Brighton and Hove City Council has chosen interim boss Geoff Raw as its new chief executive, The Argus understands.

Four people were shortlisted from 11 applicants and just two remained by the final stage of the process today, when the victorious candidate was chosen by a panel.

His appointment is expected to be sealed at a full council meeting at the Brighton Centre on Thursday.

Mr Raw joined the council five years ago and replaces Penny Thompson, who left in June shortly after Labour came to power in the city's local elections. She left after less than three years in the £150,000-a-year post, but departed with a £269,000 settlement.

The council started advertising for the job on the same salary in early September and the closing date was September 28.

The job description stated the suitable candidate would "lead by personal commitment and clear action" and "optimise the council's resources".

In a recruitment video council leader Warren Morgan said they were looking for someone who can "provide decisive and innovative leadership, someone who can help us meet the public sector funding challenges of the next few years".

Mr Raw was appointed as strategic director of place at Brighton and Hove City Council in October 2010.

He arrived after then-chief executive John Barradell had earlier that year revealed plans to appoint four strategic directors who would changed the way the council operated.

But by July 2012 Mr Raw was the only strategic director left.

Penny Thompson became the council’s chief executive in December 2012 and, by the March of the following year, Mr Raw had become executive director for environment, development and housing.

After Ms Thompson’s departure this summer, Mr Raw became temporary boss before landing the top job.