HAMPSHIRE County Council unveiled its new chief executive today as Andrew Smith, one of three senior officers facing a disciplinary hearing at the authority.

The trio oversaw IT contracts worth £1.2m, which went to a London-based agency without an open contest. The move breached council rules and EU law.

However, far from being criticised, members saluted Mr Smith when his promotion was revealed at today's council meeting.

He succeeds Peter Robertson, who is retiring in December after 17 years at the helm.

His annual salary of up to £199,000 hit the headlines in March because it exceeded the Prime Minister's.

Mr Smith is due to take over in January, and being the most senior officer, will advise members on vital decisions across departments.

The 52-year-old, who is married and hails from Glasgow, joined the council in 1986 as assistant director in the county architect's department.

He became a director in 1992, and is now director of property, business and regulatory services.

In June 2006, he was awarded an OBE for services to local government.

Cllr Ken Thornber, who leads the authority, said he was one of five candidates short-listed.

He added that they were interviewed, given exercises, and asked to meet members at a social gathering for what he described as "trial by sausage roll".

A cross-party panel of seven members, including the leaders of all three political groups, then made their choice.

Cllr Thornber added that Mr Smith, who was the only internal candidate, won unanimous support.

The panel met on Friday, September 21, but within three days, Mr Smith was in hot water.

Along with business improvement and corporate manager, Hugh Langford, and head of IT services, Jos Creese, he was rebuked over the £1.2m IT deal.

Following an inquiry by district auditor, Stephen Taylor, the three are now facing a disciplinary hearing.

However, that was overlooked as senior councillors praised Mr Smith's promotion.

Lib Dem group leader, Cllr Adrian Collett, said: "I cannot recall a recruitment process that was more rigorous or had more stages."

The only dissenting voice in the chamber was Cllr Thornber, and then only in jest.

He joked: "I had second thoughts about Andrew when I saw that he was a modern jazz fan. Had I known that, he probably wouldn't have got my vote."

In a press statement, Mr Smith added: "I am thrilled to have been appointed to this position.

"In the county council we have an outstanding track record of achievement and improvement to build upon and a significant opportunity for members and officers working together to lead and shape public services both in the county, regionally and nationally."

Outside the chamber, the news raised some eyebrows with local government experts.

While not condemning the choice, Cllr George Beckett, who leads Winchester City Council, expressed surprise.

"It seems a remarkable appointment at this point in time," he said.

Council tax campaigner, Mike Schofield, from Bishop's Waltham, described the choice as "unbelievable".

He added: "Bearing in mind that he's under investigation for flouting the rules it seems a bit odd that he's got the top job."

After the meeting the council leader Councillor Ken Thornber, said: "The decision to appoint Andrew Smith was unanimous. It followed a robust and rigorous selection process and interview with a cross party appointment panel and was also ratified at the full council meeting."Andrew displayed vision, enthusiasm and dedication and has an outstanding reputation and track record and was confirmed by the panel as the outstanding candidate to help lead Hampshire County Council through its future challenges."In the spirit of openness and transparency the Cabinet had earlier received a report on an investigation led by the District Auditor into some infringements of the County Council's Standing Orders."Andrew, along with two other officers, will be responding to the investigations' findings that communication failures and a lack of clarity over compliance resulted in procedures relating to EU regulations and standing orders not being followed."This investigation did not find any fault in Andrew's ability to do his job, or question his professional integrity. The report to Cabinet stated that the misconduct alleged in the investigating officers report is at the lower end of the scale. The hearing may find there is no case to answer, or if there is found to be a case to answer action would include a verbal or written warning."The appointment panel were advised of this situation before they reached their unanimous decision."