The chief executive of Kingston Council has left his role after 15 years with a pay off.

Bruce McDonald joined the council in 1980 as an officer before becoming director in 1991, and was appointed chief executive of the borough in 2000.

It is believed he left his post yesterday.

Council leader Kevin Davis said Mr McDonald had agreed it was “time for new long term leadership”.

He added: “I have known Bruce for many years and consider him a friend.

“During his time as chief executive he has led the authority with quiet dignity and seen many fine achievements.

“He has always put Kingston first and ensured that we remain one of the best local authorities in the country - we have much to thank him for.

“He has a record he can be proud of, but no one can go on forever.

“He leaves with our thanks and best wishes for the future."

Surrey Comet: Kingston Council chief executive Bruce McDonald was paid £178,341 in 2013 - more than the Prime Minister

Mr McDonald is a sport about posing inside Kingston police's new cell block which opened in August 2013

The Conservative administration came into power in May 2014.

Liberal Democrat leader Councillor Liz Green said: “I’m surprised at the timing of it. I don’t think Kevin realises how much of the council’s savings were delivered by Bruce and how he held the team, the staff, together during difficult times.

“He has kept staff satisfaction quite high despite cuts. He had a really strong team but Bruce really held it together – they are not realising that.

“I worked very closely with Bruce and I trust him. I would not always agree with him but I could discuss issues openly and honestly to reach agreements.

“I was always aware that he was not a ‘yes’ leader and I’m worried that Kevin wants to bring in a ‘yes’ leader.

“There will have been a pay-off to Bruce. Kevin has promised a full disclosure by early next week. We need to know this cost. We need to know what the taxpayers’ are paying. It won’t be cheap.”

Surrey Comet:

Councillor Liz Green with Bruce McDonald at election night 2014

In 2011 Mr McDonald become the highest paid public servant in the borough.

In 2013 he was paid £178,341, more than the Prime Minister’s £142,500.

That same year finance director Leigh Whitehouse, was the second highest paid director in the borough, earning £131,868.

In a statement released by the council today, Mr McDonald said: "It’s never going to be easy to leave a job I love, but it is time to go.

“Kingston is a brilliant place and I have been privileged to work with dedicated and innovative colleagues, committed members and collaborative partners.

“I have huge pride in what has been achieved in Kingston over my 35 years here, particularly in the more than 15 years as chief executive."

Kingston’s director of finance Leigh Whitehouse and director of place Roy Thompson will take on a joint interim chief executive role until a new one is found.

Councillor Davis added: “We will immediately begin considering what long-term management we need in place to take us forward."

There were fears McDonald would be left jobless as Richmond and Kingston councils were set to merge services last year, potentially leaving one of the borough’s without a chief exec.

But this fell through in January as Richmond chose south London borough Wandsworth to merge with.

  • What do you think? What were the highlights and lowlights of Mr McDonald's time as chief executive at Kingston Council? Call the newsdesk on 020 8722 6317 or email ndewji@london.newsquest.co.uk