The interim deputy chief executive at West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) has announced his retirement, after 44 years in local government.

Stuart Timmiss, who is also place executive director at WNC, has announced he will be retiring in October this year.

Stuart has been part of the council’s executive leadership team since the unitary authority was formed five years ago and has had local government career spanning 44 years.

Stuart said: “Having been with our council since its first day almost five years ago, I am so proud of what we have achieved as a young unitary authority, but also what the future holds, with a large number of major projects and transformation activities under way. I have a massive list of things I am planning to see through before I leave to ensure our council is in the best place possible with the many place services we provide across our communities.

Deputy Chief Executive and Place Executive Director at West Northamptonshire Council, Stuart Timmiss, is set to retire later this year.

placeholder image — Deputy Chief Executive and Place Executive Director at West Northamptonshire Council, Stuart Timmiss, is set to retire later this year.

“I have had the best time at West Northants, I have fallen in love with the place and the people and it will forever have a place in my heart. However as our council looks forward to its next exciting phase as a young authority, I’m looking forward to a more relaxing phase with my family and friends.”

Other senior members of the council have also paid tribute to Stuart’s hard work.

Martin Henry, chief executive of WNC said: “Stuart has been integral to our leadership team and shaping the success of our young unitary council from the very beginning, leading on the work to transform and improve our many place services, improve community outcomes, strengthen partnerships and deliver upon our multi-million-pound regeneration and investment plans.

“We will be sad to see him leave this autumn but will wish him a well-deserved retirement and will be grateful for the strong legacy he will leave at the council.”

Councillor Mark Arnull, leader of WNC added: “Stuart’s dedication, commitment and contribution towards driving forward change and improvements for residents and business across West Northants has been second-to-none and we will miss him when he retires later this year.”

WNC says recruitment for Stuart’s successor is expected to get under way this spring.