THE chief executive of Bury Council, Mark Sanders, has resigned.

In a shock announcement at a meeting in Bury Town Hall last night, Tory council leader Bob Bibby revealed that Mr Sanders was stepping down from his £167,000-a-year post to help ease the town’s financial burden.

The UK recession means that Bury Council needs to save £28million over the next four years.

In a dramatic and lengthy speech to the full council, Cllr Bibby said: “The chief executive’s view is that this proposal demonstrates leadership from the centre and also buys time for transformation plans to bear fruit.

“He believes that it is only right and proper that the pain should be shared by all concerned and that in practical terms the cash reduction can only be achieved if he steps aside.”

Mr Sanders will remain in his position until a date for his departure is announced after the next budget is set in the new year.

He will leave without severance pay — which will remain in the budget — but he will have access to his pension.

Cllr Bibby added: “I do not feel that this is the right occasion to thank Mark for his contribution to the transformation of this council or the redevelopment of the borough generally. This will come later.

“However, as a result of previous comments passed in this chamber with regard to the chief executive’s salary, I think it would be remiss of me not to mention the significant financial benefits this council has secured during his tenure as chief executive.”

Mr Sanders was appointed as chief executive in October, 2001, at the age of 47.

All the council departments have been given figures for savings which they will be expected to achieve.

Cllr Bibby added that the next four years would be the hardest the council had ever had to face.