CAMDEN is searching for a new director of public health in the middle of a new rise in coronavirus cases.

It emerged this afternoon (Thursday) that Dr Julie Billett, the current director, is leaving the council to take up a secondment at Public Health England. She will start her new role as early as Monday.

Camden is now looking to hire an interim director of public health but officials have conceded this will take some time.

Dr Billett will move to serve as the Director of Operation for London for Public Health England.

In a message circulated at the Town Hall, Camden’s chief executive Jenny Rowlands said: “This is a brilliant opportunity for Julie and I know that London will benefit from her experience and her expertise.”

She added that Dr Billett would provide support to Camden in the coming weeks as Public Health England structures its new team.