Cornwall Council is on the hunt for a new chief executive after Andrew Kerr handed in his resignation only 17 months after taking on the post.

Mr Kerr is leaving the authority to take up a new role as the chief executive of Edinburgh City Council. When he accepted the job at Cornwall Council he had been chief operating officer at Cardiff Council and had previously been chief executive at Wiltshire Council and North Tyneside.

Cornwall Council leader, John Pollard, said: "I wish Andrew well in his new role and would like to thank him for what he has done for Cornwall. He leaves behind a strong and committed team of officers and members who will work together to take the council and Cornwall forward. I will now be working with Members and the leadership team to make the necessary arrangements for the transition."

Mr Kerr said: “This was a difficult decision to make as I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in Cornwall but it is the right move for me at this time. I am very proud of what the council has achieved over the past 18 months and am confident that both the council and Cornwall are in a strong position to move forward."