Mr Graham is leaving in September after more than three years at the helm of the main local council, after seeing off six rivals to take the £150,000 post of Chief Executive at Warwickshire County Council, where he can be nearer his wife’s family.

“West Berkshire is a really good place to work and I will be sad to leave, Mr Graham told colleagues. “The reason for my decision is to be nearer my wife's family in Warwickshire, and my family in Northamptonshire, particularly as my father who has been unwell for some time and is presently in hospital. I wish you all the best."

Jim Graham started his career in local government in Hampshire in 1974. He was Director of Social Services at Plymouth before being offered the £100,000 job in West Berkshire in 2001, taking over from Stella Manzie, who now runs nearby Coventry City Council.

Council leader Graham Jones said: "I have worked closely with Jim for a long time and wish him well as he embarks on another 'top job' in local government. I know all staff will join me in wishing him the very best for the future."

Whether West Berkshire’s new Conservative rulers will recruit a replacement remains to be seen, as the group has talked in the past of scrapping or merging the post with other senior roles.