Council executive to leave role

Alan Jones is due to leave at the end of July

The chief executive of Somerset County Council is to leave the council after six years.

Alan Jones is to retire at the end of the month after talks with the new Conservative leader of the council.

The Tories took control of Somerset County Council from the Liberal Democrats in May's elections.

The leader of the council Ken Maddock, who has been in discussions with Mr Jones and the county council, said an amicable agreement had been reached.

'New priorities'

Until a new chief executive is appointed David Taylor, the current deputy chief executive, will take on the role on an acting basis.

Mr Maddock said his new administration was looking for a change in direction with a new set of priorities.

Paying tribute to Mr Jones, he said: "There is no doubt that the county council has become a more effective and highly-rated authority.

"Alan has played a big part in that transformation. Having made his contribution, this is a good time for him to move on."