THE former chief executive of Bolton Council who quit his post after just five months last year has landed a new job — as top officer of another council.

Paul Najsarek has been selected as chief executive at Ealing Council in London, with his appointment set to be ratified at a meeting of the full council this week.

If approved, he will take up his post less than four months after he walked away from Bolton, stating he needed to ‘prioritise’ his family life.

Mr Najsarek had only started work as Bolton Council’s chief executive in June and has since been replaced by former director Margaret Asquith.

Since he left, questions have been asked regarding the reasons behind Mr Najsarek’s decision to leave, with sources repeatedly suggesting a breakdown in relations with the council leadership was a contributing factor.

Council leader Cliff Morris branded those allegations as “ludicrous” and insisted it was a personal decision by the former chief executive.

The Bolton News has also submitted a Freedom of Information request to ask if Mr Najsarek had received a pay-off from the authority, but was told the information asked for was ‘confidential'.

We have since requested an internal review of how that decision was made and are expecting the results imminently.

Mr Najsarek will start his new job in Ealing on April 11, the day after current chief executive Martin Smith steps down after six years in charge.

The pay scale for the role ranges from £167,391 to £178,200.

Speaking about the appointment, Ealing Council leader Julian Bell said: “I am delighted to welcome Paul Nasjarek to Ealing.

“This is a very exciting time to be joining us as we strive to make the most of the borough’s fast-growing economy and regeneration opportunities — at the same time, we face the challenge of having to make significant financial savings."

He added: “Paul has an extensive background in working at a senior level in local government, his drive and enthusiasm stood out in an impressive field of candidates for the role and I very much look forward to working with him.”

Mr Najsarek’s new home is just seven miles away from Harrow, where he worked before his brief tenure in Bolton.

Ealing Council began recruiting for the role in late November, just weeks after Mr Najsarek had quit his post in Bolton and candidates underwent a rigorous application process.

In a report prepared ahead of Tuesday’s Ealing Council meeting, it is stated: “The Chief Officer Appointments panel was very impressed by Paul Najsarek and unanimous in its decision.

“It strongly recommends to this council that his appointment is approved.”

Bolton Council has repeatedly stated it was Mr Najsarek’s own personal decision to leave Bolton, which stemmed from his family wanting to remain in London.