Harrow Borough Council will no longer have a chief executive at its helm from early 2014.

The authority's most senior officer Michael Lockwood will leave his role early next year after leader of the council Susan Hall announced proposals to scrap the position last month.

A consultation ended last week, and Mr Lockwood's resignation follows a meeting of the chief officer’s employment panel last night.

At the meeting, from which the press and public were excluded from the meeting for reasons of confidentiality, councillors discussed Mr Lockwood's severance payment. His annual salary was £183,097.

Mr Lockwood said after the meeting: "Having considered the proposals as part of the consultation process, I have decided after much thought that in the best interests of the council, and for me personally, I will leave the authority at the end of February 2014.

“I have really enjoyed my six-plus years as chief executive at Harrow Council, and I believe the council has come a long way.

“I have been grateful for the advice and support of councillors across all parties and for the superb partners we have in Harrow, which make it such a great place.

“I will be leaving knowing we have a very good senior management team and fantastic staff who, I am confident, will ensure that the council continues to go from strength to strength.”

Leader of the council Councillor Susan Hall said: “With the council planning to make substantial savings over the coming years, it was only right that we looked at savings in management in order to protect front line services.

“Michael has played a key part in Harrow’s transformation journey and under his direction we have been able to redesign and improve services while balancing our budgets.

“I believe a leaner management structure is now right to take us forward as we enter a period of further intense financial pressure.

“Michael leaves with the thanks and best wishes of all officers and members for his tremendous contribution."

Cllr Hall said the legal duties of Mr Lockwood will be passed to Paul Najsarek, corporate director for community health and wellbeing, on an interim basis until next year’s elections.

In order for the role to be scrapped altogether, proposals must go before the council cabinet for approval.