Ex-council chief takes charge of "country's worst-run authority"

Ms Grant quit Trafford Council with immediate effect last week, only weeks after Labour took control at town hall.

Explaining that her decision to leave was due to the "recent elections and the establishment of Trafford’s new administration and leader", the former council boss had said "it is time for me to move on to new opportunities."

That new opportunity is in Northampton, where she will take charge of the Conservative-run county council at the end of the month.

The cash-strapped authority, dubbed "the worst-run in the country" by a local MP, has handed Ms Grant a two-year contract.

The Leader of Northamptonshire County Council Matt Golby said Ms Grant was a "distinguished chief executive" and the Conservative-run authority's first choice for the job.

He said: ""We have selected a preferred candidate who I have no doubt has the experience, skills, leadership and expertise which we require here in Northamptonshire."

Former council leader Heather Smith resigned in March after a government report recommended the council be scrapped. The Council were also banned from all new spending because of "severe financial challenges."

Ms Grant's interim replacement at Trafford Council has been confirmed as Salford chief executive Jim Taylor, who will split his time between the two authorities.

Trafford Council will pay part of Mr Taylor's £153,000 salary, as well as part the wages of one of Salford council’s strategic directors, who will provide cover for Mr Taylor when he is in Trafford.

Trafford Council leader Andrew Western said: “Trafford council is currently finalising arrangements for an interim chief executive to be put in place while we recruit for the role on a permanent basis.

"We are delighted to be working with Salford council, which has a strong leadership team as well as bringing opportunities for even closer collaboration via shared leadership.”

A permanent chief executive is expected to be confirmed early next year.