THE EMPLOYMENT of Lancashire County Council's chief executive, Phil Halsall, has been terminated by mutual consent.

Mr Halsall joined the county council in 2009 as executive director of resources and took up the role of chief executive in 2011.

Mr Halsall said, "The decision to leave has not been an easy one. I want to take the opportunity to say how much I have enjoyed my time in Lancashire."

The Leader of Lancashire County Council, Jennifer Mein said, "I would like to take this opportunity to wish Mr Halsall the best of luck for the future."