THE top job at Bolton is up for grabs with a £160,000 salary.

Bolton Council has launched its search to find its next chief executive - urging candidates who can bring "pace and fresh ideas" to apply.

The post pays more than the prime minister David Cameron — who earns £145,000 a year — and all of the MPs for Bolton, who each have a salary of £67,070.

Sean Harriss, the current chief executive, announced his departure from the council in December as he takes up the same position in the London borough of Lambeth.

The job advert, posted on industry website localgov.co.uk, says: “We’re looking for a chief executive with the drive, innovation and energy to develop and deliver our strategy to transform the council and maintain our position at the heart of the Manchester city region.

"We have a clear vision to maintain outcomes for the people of Bolton in the context of profound ongoing funding reductions, through new organisational delivery models, fundamental service reviews and by capitalising on the opportunities of devolution for Greater Manchester.

"We need a chief executive to lead our journey and maintain the momentum for change.

"It will be someone with experience of the sector who shares our ambition for the future, who works in partnership to deliver change through collaboration and who has the gravitas and impact to maximise the opportunities for Bolton locally, regionally and nationally."

Mr Harriss is set to leave the council in March after eight years in the post.

With councillors set to vote on a two-year budget to cut £43 million in February, the council faces an unprecedented challenge to make savings following a reduction in the funding given to local government by Westminster.

As part of the cuts, the chief executive's office has been charged with finding £2 million in savings — and the loss of up to 30 jobs — by cutting the cash budgets and staffing levels.