The chief executive of Copeland council has left his job after councillors last night voted to make his role redundant.

Councillors voted unanimously to get rid of Paul Walker’s position, following a recommendation from the mayor Mike Starkie, and he is leaving much earlier than expected.

Mr Starkie has said the move will save the council £142,287 a year.

The decision marks the biggest shake-up of the council since Mr Starkie was voted in as directly elected mayor.