SWINDON Council is looking for a new boss after chief executive Sir Michael Pitt moves to the NHS.

Sir Michael has been named as chair of the new South West Strategic Health Authority.

Since being appointed as council chief in April last year, Sir Michael has been given credit for turning the town's council's performance around.

The council will advertise for a replacement this week, with the going rate for council chief executives somewhere between £150,000 and £250,000 a year.

Council leader Mike Bawden (Con, Old Town and Lawn) said Sir Michael had helped Swindon Council become one of the fastest-improving local authorities in the country.

"Sir Mike was initially appointed for a six month period but he was doing such an impressive job last year that I persuaded him to extend his contract with us," Coun Bawden said.

"However, we all knew that he wasn't planning to stay in Swindon forever so we already had plans to start looking for a replacement once the elections are over and the new council cabinet is formed in May.

"I will be very sorry to see Mike go but I am delighted that he has been offered such an exciting new role.

"He'll still be involved in a key public service in our area so we look forward to working together in the future.

"He has shown us what we need to do to achieve our ambition of being an excellent council and for that I am very grateful and would like to say a huge thank you."

Sir Michael said he had enjoyed his time in Swindon.

"It's a great place with enormous potential and I believe there will be a strong list of candidates hoping to step into my shoes," he said.

Sir Michael is expected to take up his post at the South West Strategic Health Authority on July 1. Swindon Council will advertise soon for his replacement. Sir Michael has promised to stay on and provide cover until the chief executive takes up their appointment.

Sir Michael was the chief executive at Kent County Council for seven years, leading to the authority being regarded as one of the best in the country, before joining Swindon in April 2005.

He worked full-time in Swindon on a six-month secondment from Kent, putting together a recovery plan which involved restructuring the council.

Sir Michael's new job will have him overseeing the South West Strategic Health Authority, covering an area from Swindon to the Isles of Scilly.