The chief executive of Basildon Council is stepping down.

Bala Mahendran's departure is part of a wider political restructuring of the council and a review of senior management posts.

There are a number of vacancies in senior management roles and the council will be looking at which ones will be removed.

Mr Mahendran will step down from July 31.

In a statement, he said: "I have for some time been reflecting on my own career and future.

"I have been the chief executive for 13 hugely enjoyable years.

"I cannot overstate how proud I am to have held the post for so long, indeed as the longest serving Chief Executive Basildon has ever had.

"However my own future is something I have been considering for some time.

"Therefore, the change of political leadership, a new decision-making system, and the continued need to redesign how we provide our services, has convinced me that now is the right time to step down from the position of chief executive - and allow the authority to establish a new, long-term officer leadership.

"I have not taken this decision lightly. I started thinking about my future back in July 2013 when I took flexible retirement.

"And I believe now is the right time, for the authority for myself and my family, to move on to fresh challenges and opportunities.

"I would like to take a moment to say how proud I am of the work that we have all done here collectively over the past decade or more."

A spokesman for Basildon Council said: "Bala Mahendran has been an outstanding public servant to Basildon in the 13 years he has been chief executive. He has overseen the regeneration of the borough, and was a key influencer in developments like the Sporting Village, which will stand as a testament to his work for many years.

"The council would like to put on record its thanks for his contribution, work and leadership throughout this time - and to wish him every success in the future."