A long-serving council chief executive has announced he is retiring after nearly two decades in charge of the authority.

Neil Davies, who runs Medway Council, has decided to call time on his career after spending more than 20 years at the council – 16 of them as chief executive.

Mr Davies, who began working in the council as a finance officer in 1999, says he will be leaving next summer having led the council since 2006.

He said: "After some 23 exhilarating years working at Medway Council, and after much deliberation, I have decided to retire from my role as chief executive.

"It has been an enormous privilege to work for this council and to serve the people of Medway.

"Throughout my time here, I have been blessed to have been able to work with outstanding and talented work colleagues, an ambitious and supportive group of elected members, as well as many others from our wonderful local partnership organisations.

"On a personal level, my career at Medway has been hugely fulfilling as every day has been different and exciting, and I will be sad to leave this special place, but now is the right time to hand over the reins.

'It has been an enormous privilege to work for this council and to serve the people of Medway'

"Much has been achieved since Medway Unitary Council was established back in 1998, but our agenda continues to be hugely exciting as we look to the future.

"My last working day will be June 30, 2023 and I intend to continue to enjoy every day until then, leading our drive with energy and enthusiasm to make Medway a great place to live, work, learn and visit.

"There will be plenty of time between now and then to say thank you and farewell, but I did want to take this opportunity to say that it has been a pleasure to work with you during my time in this role.

"I am very proud of the strong spirit of partnership that exists across Medway, which has enabled us to achieve so much together over the years."

Council leader Alan Jarrett – who himself is stepping down as leader next year – said Mr Davies had done a "great job" and he will be "sorry to see him go", praising him for the work he did during the Covid pandemic.

Cllr Jarrett added how Mr Davies' finance background had helped the council, saying: "He has helped us all these years and has been part of the team to balance the budget every year, and that's no mean achievement at the moment."

Medway Labour Group leader Cllr Vince Maple said: "I thank him for his leadership in particular during the recent Covid challenges and wish him a happy retirement next year."