COUNTY council boss David Jenkins will step down later this year, it has been announced.

Mr Jenkins, who as chief executive of Dorset County Council is paid more than the Prime Minister, will retire in October.

Mr Jenkins, 59, joined the council in 1989 and has held his post for 13 years, making him the longest serving chief executive of any Dorset council.

Mr Jenkins said: “Dorset is a very special county.

“It has been an enormous privilege to live and work here for the last 23 years.

“I am very fortunate to have worked with so many exceptionally able and committed people, both councillors and officers.

“In the next eight months I will continue to be closely involved in celebrations for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, the Olympic sailing events, reforms within the NHS and the rolling out of high-speed broadband throughout Dorset.”

He added: “The public sector faces considerable challenges as it strives to deliver high quality services with reduced budgets.

“However, I am confident that the people of Dorset, and those who serve them, have the drive and commitment to meet those challenges together.”

Mr Jenkins has been chairman of the National Association of County Chief Executives, president of the Dorset Law Society and a board member of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra since 2000.

Council leader Angus Campbell said: “David is an extremely able chief executive who has served the county splendidly for a long time.

“His extensive knowledge, skills and experience are invaluable and his understated approach is underpinned by tremendous strength.

“In my six years as leader I have found him to be determined, effective and yet diplomatic.

“He will be much missed but I am confident that he will continue to work hard for Dorset in this most important year.”

Gary Pattison, Dorset branch secretary for the GMB union, said: “From a union point of view David Jenkins has tried to hold the authority together in very, very difficult times and in the face of severe cuts from central government.

“Some of the restructuring has invariably led to redundancies and cuts to services which haven’t been ideal and which we have argued hasn’t been the best option.

“Nonetheless I believe he has done a reasonable job and I know this represents the views of a lot of our members as well.”

A replacement for Mr Jenkins is yet to be announced.