THE chief executive of Somerset West and Taunton Council (SWT) is quitting his job as huge changes loom in the way the county is run.

James Hassett has informed councillors he is leaving the post, which enjoys a six-figure salary.

He was first appointed as CEO of Taunton Deane Borough and West Somerset Councils in January 2019 and steered the authorities through their merger and the wide-reaching transformation programme.

It comes as SWT is set to be scrapped under a shake-up of local government in Somerset, with the county administered by either one or two councils rather than the current four districts and one county councils.

Mr Hassett, who previously worked for Havant Borough Council and East Hampshire District Council, said: “I am proud of what we as a council have been able to achieve in the last two and a half years and would like to thank members and staff for their tremendous support.

"Together, we have got the council to where it needed to be.

“It has not been an easy decision to take, but with another round of huge changes on the way, it’s time for someone else to lead the organisation to its next phase.

“My exact date of leaving has yet to be agreed and is dependent upon ensuring that we have the right continuity plans in place.”

Mr Hassett lives in Taunton Deane and has coached at the county town's rugby club.