Brighton and Hove City Council’s chief executive has announced his departure from the role.

Geoff Raw is leaving the council to become managing director of "Be First" (Be First London) - a new homes and jobs development company for the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham.

He will remain in post to support Brighton and Hove City Council through its budget making and local elections on May 5.

Mr Raw joined the council in 2010 as strategic director before becoming chief executive in 2015.

“Brighton and Hove is an amazing city with a global reputation for creativity, innovation and vibrancy,” he said.

“It has been my privilege to serve the city and its communities for over 12 years, the last eight as the council’s chief executive.

“I'm very proud of what the council has achieved for its city over this time, despite wider economic challenges, budget constraints and a Covid pandemic.”

Councillor Phelim Mac Cafferty, leader of the council said: “On behalf of the council I want to thank Geoff for his many years of service to the city.

“His leadership has helped steer the organisation through truly unprecedented times including during the worst days of the pandemic and the hugely challenging budget.

“As the longest serving chief executive since Brighton and Hove came together as one council, I know he will be deeply missed by many including the valued city partners in health and from business. We wish him the very best of luck in his new role.”

Details on future leadership arrangements following the local election are to follow, the council said.