THE chief executive of Southend Council is stepping down this summer.

Alison Griffin, will take up a new job as chief executive of the London Councils, which represents 32 London boroughs and the City of London.

Mrs Griffin, who joined in 2017, was "instrumental" in forming the Southend 2050 plan, approved in 2018.

She joined the council after leaving her role as director of finance and corporate services at the London Borough of Bexley.

A recruitment process for a new chief executive will soon begin.

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Alison Griffin, chief executive of the council, said: “I will be very sorry to leave Southend as it has become my home over the past four years and I have thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of leading an organisation that is full of people passionate, committed and dedicated to doing the best for the local area.

“Ultimately this was too good an opportunity not to apply for, and although I will be very sad to leave Southend-on-Sea, I am excited about my new role and this new challenge.

“Southend-on-Sea will always remain close to my heart, and I know that the organisation is in a good place to deliver its ambitions for the future, which are grounded in the values of Southenders.”