Plans for closer working between councils and their primary care trusts (PCTs) have taken a hit with the departure of one of the top executives. Tracie Evans resigned as director of finance from Kingston LBC last month, after more than two years at the council, and the past year jointly with the PCT. According to one insider, her departure was sparked by a difference of opinion with council chief executive, Bruce McDonald. In a statement issued by the council, Ms Evans said: ‘I have enjoyed my time at Kingston. ‘My work with the PCT has helped bring the two organisations much closer together. It is, therefore, time for me to find different challenges elsewhere.' Her departure follows that of Kingston's director of learning and children's services, Patrick Leeson, who left suddenly in June to take up a post at Ofsted. Tower Hamlets LBC has denied rumours its joint director of HR is quitting. Deb Clarke, who also holds the post of director of HR for the PCT, claims she has ‘no plans to leave', despite suggestions that she would depart and the post would be scrapped. She has held the post for two-and-a-half years. The council has recently lost its chief executive, Martin Smith, who was last month ousted by the political leadership after two years in post. Previously Mr Smith was director of resources for the council.