Jan Britton, Sandwell’s Council’s ex-chief executive, has said his decision to leave the authority was taken because it was time to look for ‘new challenges’.

His departure comes only a week after the troubled authority confirmed he had taken extended leave.

In a statement to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, he said:  “I have worked at Sandwell for almost 13 years in various roles and it is time for me to move on and look for a new challenge.

“I wish the council every success for the future, building on what we have achieved so far and I would like to thank the many employees I have worked with over the years.”

During his time at the authority he has been credited with helping to maintain many front-line services despite substantial cuts in funding by central government.

In March this year a Local Government Association review praised the progress the council had made saying: “A full senior management team is now in place and this capacity represents an opportunity to move at pace to deliver the council’s plans”.

But during recent years his time at the authority was  overshadowed by alleged corruption and breaches by councillors of the members code of conduct. 

That led to his ordering of the Wragge report into alleged corrupt land deals.

With associated legal proceedings the investigation cost the authority £579,384.

More recently the council has been plagued by infighting in the ruling Labour group.

In January, the authority’s council leader, Steve Eling, had his membership suspended by the Labour party preventing him standing for re-election in May.  

His replacement, Cllr Steve Trow, dramatically resigned with hours of the party taking all of the council’s 72 seats in the recent election.

He was replaced by Cllr Yvonne Davies who was elected leader after a controversial ballot marred by several councillors being excluded from the Labour Group only hours before the crucial vote. 

Cllr Davis announced his resignation on Wednesday in an email to all councillors , which was followed by a brief public statement, which said: “We can confirm that Jan Britton has resigned as Chief Executive. David Stevens will continue to take on responsibilities as Deputy Chief Executive.”

No announcement has been made as to when a permanent replacement for Mr Britton will be made.