A SENIOR director at Suffolk County Council is to leave the authority, it has been revealed.

Graham Dixon is to leave his post as director of resource management. News of his departure was broken to staff in an e-mail from chief executive Andrea Hill yesterday.

The council’s monitoring officer Eric Whitfield is also leaving the authority.

Their sudden departures shocked staff – although it is understood that Mr Whitfield had recently been unwell.

Mrs Hill’s e-mail about Mr Dixon said: “I am writing to let you know that Graham Dixon will be leaving the council at the end of March to pursue other interests.

“Within his role as director of resource management, Graham has led the full range of central support functions, covering 13 different areas.

“Over the past four years he has provided valuable support for his portfolio holder and has played the key leadership role with our partner CSD (customer service direct), strengthening our client side in order to get the most from the relationship.

“I wish Graham every success for the future.”

Her e-mail about Mr Whitfield praised his work as head of scrutiny and monitoring for the last nine years, She said he had been at the centre of supporting the political entity of the organisation.

She added: “On behalf of the organisation I wish him well for the future.”

It later emerged that Mrs Hill would be taking on the role of director of resource management herself, but would not be taking any pay rise.

Sally Marlow, head of human resources at the council, said: “The chief executive will assume responsibility for leadership of the resource management directorate until more permanent arrangements can be put in place.

“Therefore there will be no external recruitment costs.

“We can confirm that the chief executive will not receive any additional remuneration for undertaking this role.”