CHIEF executive Sandra Claxton revealed today she is to retire later this year, paving the way for another six figure reduction in Fenland District Council’s budget.

Ms Claxton, who took on the role just over a year ago, hinted that her deputy will take over and his salary and post deleted, thus making a �100,000 a year saving.

“Following approval from staff committee the leader (Alan Melton) will shortly be convening a panel to undertake the appointment of a new chief executive,” she told staff in an email.

“Both the leader and I are very keen to achieve a seamless transition with the minimum of disruption to council business. We are also keen to protect the unique culture that has been built up and nurtured in Fenland over the past eight years.

“With all this in mind, Paul Medd, our current deputy chief executive, has been ring-fenced to be interviewed for the post.

“As such, my departure will mark a further reduction in the size of corporate management team from six to five, thus achieving a further significant cost saving to the council.”

Ms Claxton said her departure date has yet to be finalised “and so you will have to put up with me for a few months yet”

Fenland’s chief executive revealed she will be 60 in November and after 40 years in local government “feel it’s time to hang up my briefcase later this year.” She has worked for three London boroughs, a county council and two district councils.

“However, none of my five previous authorities have matched just how great it has been working (for nearly eight years) in Fenland,” she said.

“My decision to retire is made with mixed feelings but I think it’s time I devoted my time to my long suffering husband and family who have been so supportive of me over the past years.”

Ms Claxton was promoted to the top job at Fenland following an acrimonious few months during which the leader, deputy leader and then chief executive Tim Pilsbury all left.