The chief executive of Norwich City Council has announced he will be leaving his job.
Stephen Evans, the most senior official at City Hall, has decided to leave the £156,000 role, after three years.
He has told staff he will be joining the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Council.
The announcement comes just months after the Labour leader and deputy leader, Alan Waters and Gail Harris, announced they would be standing down at the next elections in May.
Mr Evans said: “I leave NCC with a heavy heart after an incredible three years. Norwich is an amazing city and the council is a great institution, blessed with dedicated councillors and officers.
"When the time comes to say goodbye, I know I leave NCC fit for the future and on a path of positive change."
A date for his departure has not been revealed by the council but in a video message recorded for staff he said he would stay in the post for a few more months.
Mr Waters wished Mr Evans well for his future, he said: “Stephen joined Norwich as chief executive just before the Covid pandemic.
"He demonstrated excellent leadership in mobilising the organisation through this most challenging time and repurposing our services to meet the needs of residents across the city."
Mr Waters said the council would now begin a "rigorous recruitment process" to find a replacement.
James Wright, the leader of the Liberal Democrats at NCC said: "It is a huge positive for him but it leaves the council in a challenging state.
"Hopefully we can get someone of the calibre he has brought to the role, having steered the council through the challenges of the pandemic."
Lucy Galvin, the leader of the Green Party at NCC, said the group is sad to see Mr Evans go, praising the difference he has made to the council.
"I would like to highlight his stellar work during the pandemic and on starting to get some of the council's functions into shape that have been neglected, like the work on safety compliance in council houses.
"He will be an asset in his new role and we would like to wish him all the best for this new challenge."
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