I stood down ahead of the local elections this month, following an almost 18-year career at the authority. I joined the unitary authority as director of corporate resources in September 2001 and, having acted up into the role of chief executive, was appointed to the post in February 2004.

During my time with the council I have overseen huge changes to local government, the onset of austerity and the advent of the devolution of some decision-making from Westminster to the regions. I was awarded an OBE in the 2009 New Year’s Honours list for my work with the West of England Partnership. More recently, I have played an important part in the creation of the West of England Combined Authority (WECA), which brought together leaders of South Gloucestershire Council, Bath & North East Somerset Council and Bristol City Council to take devolved responsibility for budgets covering transport, housing, post-16 education and skills.