The saga of who will become the new head of Tonbridge and Malling council took a step forward.

The council has announced that with the departure of David Hughes (pictured) to Gravesham council, Julie Beilby will step up to take on the chief executive role.

Mr Hughes had been job-sharing a chief executive role between Tonbridge and Malling and Gravesham councils, but last month it was revealed that Gravesham were looking to appoint their own chief executive and he had got the job.

Ms Beilby will move on from her current role of central services director at the beginning of February.

The council says her move is part of a restructure of its senior management team that will save £125,000 a year.

Cllr Nicolas Heslop, council leader said: "Two years ago, we agreed to a temporary arrangement of sharing the post of Chief Executive with Gravesham Borough Council. These are challenging and difficult times and it has never been more important for each local authority to have a Chief Executive who can do the very best for the communities they serve.

"Gravesham have now reviewed their own arrangement and decided that they now wish to appoint their own Chief Executive, to which they have appointed David Hughes. We have now been able to review our management arrangements and are able to take this opportunity to secure high quality senior staff, that is sufficiently robust to continue to deliver the high quality services expected by our residents. It is also a cost-effective approach, delivering savings of £125,000 year on year."