Concerns have been raised following the announcement that Harrow Borough Council's chief executive will be stepping down.

It was announced today that chief executive Michael Lockwood will leave in the new year after proposals were made to axe his post.

A consultation ended last week, and last night the council chief officers' employment panel approved a severance package consisting of a compensation payment of £30,000 and Local Government Pension Scheme lump sum payment entitlement of £138,651.

A spokesman for the Unison union at the council said: “We believe that the council leader’s proposal to delete the role of Chief Executive has been haphazardly constructed with little thought as to the long-term financial impact on Harrow Council.

“Harrow Council has faced unprecedented political change this year with three changes in cabinet and the much criticised suspension of the council’s constitution to enable the election of the current leader.

“Unison had hoped that with the election of Cllr Susan Hall and with the local elections just around the corner next May, that Harrow residents and Council staff would see a period of stability and acts of unity to steady the ship.

"Sadly, this short sighted proposal has only accentuated the ill-feeling at the top and has effectively ‘rocked the boat’ even more.”

Leader of the council's Labour group Cllr David Perry said: “We would like to place on record our grave concern at the treatment of a council employee and feel the process he was faced with, left him no choice, due to the untenable position which lay ahead following an unfair process.”

Mr Lockwood's departure comes after after leader of the council Cllr Susan Hall announced proposals the scrap the position in the council last month.

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