TANDRIDGE'S council leader has admitted he was unaware of the new chief officer's past when she was hired.
Back in April, witnesses who complained about antisocial behaviour on a crime-ridden north London estate had their personal details mistakenly given to troublemakers.
The blunder by Islington Council's legal team saw the names, streets and phone numbers of the complainants attached to injunctions served on the alleged offenders.
At the time Louise Round was Islington's corporate director of resources, which includes legal services.
Last month Islington Council announced that Ms Round's post would be "deleted" next spring, leading opposition councillors there to complain that she was being made the scapegoat for the blunder.
On October 24, Tandridge District Council's Chief Officer Appointments Subcommittee recommended Ms Round should be appointed the authority's new chief executive – which was ratified on November 1 by the full council.
Tandridge's council leader Gordon Keymer told the Mirror that he did not know of the episode involving Ms Round's department when she was taken on.
He said: "We were not aware of this during the recruitment process and used external professional recruitment consultants throughout the process.
"The subcommittee interviewed five shortlisted candidates and as a result unanimously supported Louise's selection as the best candidate for the job.
"This was subsequently put to the full council and unanimously supported by all councillors present.
"Our offer was subject to satisfactory references which included her current employer.
"The references received were both positive and good.
"What may or may not have happened at Islington is a matter for them to comment on."
Mr Keymer added: "As an experienced council leader I continue to be impressed by Louise's enthusiasm, knowledge of local government and breadth of experience.
"I believe that Tandridge District Council will benefit from Louise being our chief executive in the future in the way it has benefited from Stephen Weigel's long and successful tenure.
"I look forward to working with her."
Ms Round, whose salary will be up to £108,919, has not replied to the Mirror's request for an interview.
But she said in a press statement: "I am really looking forward to joining Tandridge district.
"Tandridge is a beautiful part of the country and I am sure I will enjoy working there."
