A TEAM of executive councillors is set to take over running Rochford District Council.

The shake-up of the authority will be discussed by councillors and could lead to a group of eight members making up a cabinet, with a leader in charge.

In a report to members, chief executive Paul Warren said new legislation meant by 2010 the council had to start moving towards a "stronger leadership model" which would involve the election of a leader by the full council with a four-year term.

This would only cease when the leader either resigned, lost their seat or received a vote of no confidence.

If Mr Warren's recommendations are agreed by the council, the leader would choose his own seven member cabinet.