Sutton Council is not expecting to appoint a permanent new chief executive until early next year after their previous one officially stepped down this month.

Niall Bolger, who earned more than £169,000-per-year in his job, quit the role on September 6.

He has since assumed the same role at Hounslow Council, in west London, as his predecessor Mary Harpley jumped ship to join the Greater London Authority (GLA).

Sutton Council’s senior officer appointments committee will start their “wide-ranging search” for Mr Bolger’s successor next month in mid-October.

A spokesman said a permanent appointment will be made “early in 2019” while the successful candidate will start work that summer.

In the meantime, an interim chief executive, who has not yet been announced, will take over for a period of six months until that person begins their new job.

Sutton Council’s senior officer appointments committee will soon meet to consider “expressions of interest” in the key position from the authority’s two permanent strategic directors.

Deputy leader Cllr Jane McCoy said: “We’ll continue to provide the high quality services residents expect as we begin our search for a new chief executive in Sutton.

“We want to make sure we find the best candidate to implement our ambitious strategic plan over the next few years, which will continue to make Sutton a great place to live, work and raise a family.”

The council spokesman added that “further updates will be released as the process continues”.

Mr Bolger officially joined Sutton Council back in March 2011 before he resigned almost seven years later.

Sutton Guardian reported previously how Hounslow Council’s leader, Cllr Steve Curran, informed staff at the authority about the change.

In a message, seen by this newspaper, he said: “I am delighted to inform you that, following our final interview panel held on Tuesday (September 4), we have appointed Niall Bolger as our new chief executive.

“This was a unanimous decision made by the panel, and subject to ratification at the borough council meeting on September 18.

“As soon as I have agreed Niall’s start date, I will let you know.”

A full council meeting earlier this month saw Mr Bolger confirmed into his new role as their chief executive.

His predecessor, Ms Harpley, was in her previous job for nearly the same length of time before she became the GLA’s chief officer this September.