Somerset County Council's chief executive is stepping down after eight years in post.

Pat Flaherty is leaving before the authority and the four district councils are axed and replaced by a new countywide unitary Somerset Council.

He will end his time at County Hall in the autumn to take up a similar role at Harrow Council.

Mr Flaherty worked in various roles at the county before being appointed chief executive in May 2014.

He had spent six months as the interim CEO during a period when his predecessor was on sick leave before resigning.

During a long and successful career to date he has held leadership roles in various areas including regeneration, transport and health.

In a message to staff announcing he was moving on, he said: "Working for Somerset County Council for the 16 years has been a privilege and I count myself as fortunate to have worked with such a wonderful group of colleagues and for the people of this great county.”

Referring to his new job, Mr Flaherty said: "I am delighted and honoured to be invited to join the London Borough of Harrow as its chief executive officer.

“It is clearly a very exciting time to be joining and I look forward to working with our councillors and staff, our partners and the wonderful community of Harrow to make a real difference.

"I can’t wait to get started.”

Mr Flaherty replaces Sean Harriss, who had been in post for three and a half years, guiding the authority through the Covid pandemic and contributing to London’s wider response to the health emergency.

An interim chief executive, Paul Hewitt, is holding the fort until Mr Flaherty takes over.

Harrow Council leader Cllr Paul Osborn said: "This is the start of an exciting new chapter in Harrow’s story.

"As an administration, we are keen to begin working hard for the people of Harrow and doing so in partnership with our borough’s new chief executive.

“Pat impressed me throughout the selection period with his commitment to public service and his broad experience of local authority leadership."

Mr Flaherty's likely replacement is expected to be put forward to full council at its meeting in Yeovil on Wednesday, July 20.

Initially the successful candidate will be chief executive of Somerset County Council before taking the same role at the new Somerset Council from April 1 next year.