Slough Borough Council has announced its Chief Executive is to stand down after two years in the role.

On Friday, March 15, the Council stated Stephen Brown would be standing down.

They are now starting the process of appointing a replacement, with plans and a timescale in the works.

Mr Brown said: “I joined this council some two years ago, having previously retired from being a Chief Executive, and it was never my intention to be here for more than a couple of years.

“Having joined at a time of extreme volatility, I am pleased to have been able to bring stability to the organisation at a time when it needed a full-time Chief Executive, and the role has been a really interesting and enjoyable experience."

He added that with the Council restructure nearly complete, he feels the new team should have a new Chief Executive to lead it.

Mr Brown feels "really positive" about the future of the Council and the "fantastic new appointments".

“It has been an honour to have been at the helm of this organisation, and I am proud I am leaving it with a new budget and an agreed medium-term financial plan, as well as a corporate plan which sets out our commitment to close the healthy life expectancy gap by focusing on children," Mr Brown said.

“I have become a big fan of Slough as a town and a place and especially its people. It’s amazing how a town as diverse as Slough can still be so incredibly cohesive as a society. It’s also so well placed geographically and has massive economic potential for the future, and I know it will go from strength to strength.

“Finally, I want to acknowledge the hard work of so many officers over many years, and to recognise it was never their fault this financial situation occurred.”

Leader of Slough Borough Council, Dexter Smith has thanked Mr Brown.

Cllr Smith said: “I have enjoyed working closely with Stephen since becoming Leader last May. His commitment and positivity have helped us greatly in making progress in very challenging circumstances.

“Stephen has put some key building blocks in place that are helping this council on its journey to become fully fit for purpose".

Lead Commissioner Gavin Jones added: “Since the intervention Stephen has been responsible for the council’s improvement efforts and has worked collaboratively with Commissioners.

“We are grateful for the contribution he has made.”