Staffordshire County Council chief executive Nigel Pursey has announced his departure from the authority, following weeks of speculation. Rumours of his impending departure have been rife.

This followed calls for his resignation over the management of unpopular council policies such as the proposed care home closures and wage reforms.

The announcement was made yesterday, just hours after the council cabinet decided to go ahead with consultation on plans to adjust the pay levels of the authority’s staff, which will cost the taxpayer £85 million.

Mr Pursey, aged 58, is due to leave his post early next month, following “mutual consent” with his employers. He is on holiday but is due back next week.

He took up the council’s top job in April 2003, after five-and-a-half years as Shropshire County Council’s chief executive.

He said: “After four-and-a-half years with the county council, and 10 years as a chief executive, I think now is the right time to move on from my current role to develop interests both in public services and in my outside life.

“The county council has made great progress over the last few years, although difficult decisions are having to be made,” he added.

Ron Hilton, the authority’s deputy chief executive, will replace Mr Pursey.