SOUTHEND council are preparing to say goodbye to two of its corporate management team who have 50 years' service between them as they're set to retire. 

John Williams, executive director for legal and democratic services, has been with the council for 33 years and will retire by the end of March 2022.

Joanna Ruffle, executive director for transformation, has been with the council for 17 years and will retire in September 2021.

A report being discussed by cabinet next week recommends the creation of one new executive director post for strategy, change and governance to replace these two roles. 

This will make ongoing annual savings of over £140,000 from 2022/23 by reducing the size of the corporate management. 

Leader of the council Ian Gilbert said: "John and Joanna have committed much of their careers to dedicated public service, amassing 50 years between them at this council alone, and we must thank them for that.

“Whilst their knowledge and expertise will be greatly missed, we wish them well as they enter a new chapter of their lives."