Blackburn with Darwen Council chief exec Graham Burgess leaving for Wirral

The chief executive of Blackburn with Darwen Council is leaving to take up the same role at Wirral Council.

Graham Burgess has been in charge of Blackburn with Darwen Council since 2006.

Before that he was the director of regeneration and at the forefront of a revamp of Blackburn town centre including a £66m overhaul of The Mall.

He starts his new post at Wirral Council in October for a two-year period.

Mr Burgess said he would be sorry to leave Blackburn with Darwen Council, which was awarded Council of the Year status last year.

However, he said he was "confident its track record of strong political leadership and sound management will see it go on to even greater success in future years".

Leader of the authority, Kate Hollern, said: "I am very grateful for his many years of service to councillors and the people of this borough, and I know that his work will leave a lasting legacy for our residents."

It is unclear whether Mr Burgess will still be the returning officer for the election for the new Police Commissioner, which the council is overseeing.

Mr Burgess started his career as a social worker and previously worked for Liverpool City Council as assistant director for social services.