KENT County Council’s chief executive Mike Pitt is to leave his job when his contract expires later this year.

Mr Pitt, 56, has spent seven years at the helm of the largest county council in the country, presiding over a period regarded as one of most successful in the authority’s history.

He said: “It has been a difficult decision, given the tremendous team I have around me. But, having done the top job for a total of 14 years, I feel it is now time to move on and look forward to new opportunities.

"Being head of an organisation like Kent County Council is exciting and I have learnt a great deal from the people working for it at every level.

"They are totally dedicated to providing the best possible services to Kent residents and keeping Kent at the forefront of quality, cost-efficiency and innovation. I will miss them, but in the meantime it is full steam ahead.”

Before joining Kent, Mr Pitt was chief executive of Cheshire County Council. He has also served as president of the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives.

County council Leader, Sir Sandy Bruce-Lockhart (Con) paid tribute to Mr Pitt, who will leave in October.

“When Mike and I started together in 1997, the authority had problems. He has transformed performance in vital service areas and was largely responsible for the single-minded drive to ensure KCC measured up to an “excellent” rating from the Audit Commission. That involved strong leadership and step changes in performance.”

“I have enormously enjoyed working with Mike and he can be extremely proud of all he has achieved,” he said.

Opposition Labour group leader Cllr Mike Eddy also paid tribute. He said: "Mike Pitt has done a good job for Kent.

"He has given Kent the direction and drive it has needed since 1997 and this has been recognised by the Audit Commission's "excellent" rating. He will be an extremely difficult act to follow in a post which demands sound judgement, drive and commitment to public service."

It is understod KCC is considering appointing a new chief executive from within the authority and that the post is unlikely to be advertised.