Kingston Council is seeking the person to fill ex-chief executive Bruce McDonald's shoes and take home £170k in the top job.

The former chief executive left on the same day he announced his resignation, prompting questions as to whether he jumped or was pushed.

He had been in the position for 15 years and was handed more than a quarter-of-a-million-pounds upon leaving on November 27.

Mr McDonald signed a non-disclosure agreement, which meant he could not talk to the Comet about why he left.

Now the council is advertising for a "bold" leader who can "work closely with the council's political leadership to help us [Kingston Council] achieve our ambitions".

A video, shot and edited in house to save on outside costs, and a letter from council leader Kevin Davis to applicants, have been uploaded onto the council website to gather interest for the job with a salary of around £170,000.

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

Councillor Davis said: "By shifting to a sharper focus onto the outcomes that residents want, Kingston will be able to deliver a ‘more human’ approach that worries less about the process of service delivery and more about the individual’s needs.

“Our ambition in meeting these challenges is great. We have done much, with much more to do over the medium term.

"Our overwhelming conclusion is that the role of the local authority needs to change significantly if it is to continue to play a leading role in the success of the borough and its residents. We are looking for a strong leader, with an ambition to deliver services differently."

He added resources are stretched, made note of the "significantly smaller" budget over the next few years and said the council needs to think and plan differently to move away from "traditional models of service".

The person appointed is expected to increase tourism, attract businesses and investment in the borough and keep the children and adults services supported.

Applications close on February 29.