Derbyshire County Council’s chief executive will lose his job in a move to save the authority more than £300,000 a year.

Ian Stephenson, who will leave his post with the authority today, Friday, August 11, has worked for the council for 10 years - the last four as chief executive.

The authority also revealed there will be no 'golden handshake' payments as it seeks to save the taxpayer money.

He joined the county council in 2007 as director of environmental services and was appointed to the chief executive role in July 2013.

The county council agreed last month to abolish the post of chief executive, along with two other top-tier posts – assistant chief executive and strategic director of corporate resources.

The move is set to save the authority more than £300,000 a year on management costs.

A new post of strategic director of commissioning, communities and policy has been created, with the new role focusing on making sure the council provides quality services which are good value for money. The recruitment process for this new role is already underway.

Derbyshire County Council leader Councillor Barry Lewis said: "Mr Stephenson has worked hard over 10 years for Derbyshire County Council and we recognise the contribution he has made to the authority and the commitment he has given.

"However, we have a duty to Derbyshire residents to use their money as efficiently and effectively as possible. There is no intention that the council will be making any 'golden handshake' payments. It’s about doing things differently and making bold changes.

"We’re confident this is the right way to go and can reassure people that the council is in safe hands."

For more information about the county council’s senior management review go to www.derbyshire.gov.uk/smreview