A full time chief executive has been appointed to oversee Gravesham council - with opposition councillors claiming it could cost taxpayers up to £90,000 more.

A meeting of the full council last night saw David Hughes take up the post of full-time chief executive, having previously only been part-time.

In August last year, Mr Hughes was appointed joint chief executive of both Tonbridge and Malling and Gravesham councils.

His salary totalled £119,124 a year and was shared 50/50 between the two councils.

The appointment was meant to run for at least two years but will be ditched in February.

Gravesham council leader John Burden said: "We do need a chief officer. There is no other authority in Kent which has a part-time chief executive, apart from KCC and they paid her off. That’s not good management. That’s not good value for money.

"We can have a kick around about the wrongs and the rights but it’s important that we have proper management and strong leadership.

"I really hope you get behind this motion."

The opposition Conservatives group were not at all keen and proposed a motion that rather than the "appointment of a chief executive", councillors vote on the "appointment of a part-time chief executive".

The Labour administration justified the move because it reduced the number of the council’s directors from four to three and implemented a number of other economies which it says will save another £1 million.

The Tory opposition accused the council of "throwing away" money after it was revealed the costs would be in the region of £150,000 - including the £113,025 salary.

The motion was passed and Mr Hughes will take up the full time post in February.

For more, see tomorrow’s Gravesend Messenger.