BASILDON Council has changed its senior management structure.

The move follows former chief executive Bala Mahendran stepping down on July 31.

Commissioning director for resourcing and place shaping, Kieran Carrigan, will become the council’s statutory head of paid service under interim arrangements.

He will lead the council together with fellow commissioning director for people and place, Scott Logan.

Mr Mahendran had worked in the role for 13 years but left shortly after the council shifted to a cabinet-style of government.

Labour councillor Gavin Callaghan, chairman of the policy and resources committee, is now the de-facto leader.

He believes the management change, which includes the removal of two other senior management posts, will save the council about £250,000 .

In a statement at the time, Mr Mahendran said: “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.”