SWINDON Council could struggle to replace outgoing chief executive Paul Doherty, MP Michael Wills has claimed.

The MP for North Swindon says those who revealed publicly that Swindon Council's chief officer is resigning from his post had shown "disgraceful behaviour" and dealt a devastating blow to the council, threatening its chances of recruiting a suitably able candidate to replace Mr Doherty.

He also reacted angrily to last Friday's exclusive report in the Advertiser, which revealed how the paper had learned from several sources how Mr Doherty had accepted voluntary severance of his £100,000 plus contract.

The details of his departure, such as his leaving date and severance package, are yet to be finalised and the council is remaining silent on the negotiations.

But Mr Wills said: "I understand this story was based on confidential information and I hope those who have breached this confidence consider the following implications of what they have done for the town.

"Firstly, it's a disgraceful way to behave towards anyone, let alone a dedicated public servant like Paul Doherty. Nobody should expect to be treated like this by their employer or anyone else.

"Secondly, I'm not a lawyer, but I would have thought this increases the liability of the council.

"Thirdly, in terms of recruitment to the council in future, I don't know how anyone imagines that such behaviour will encourage any able and dedicated public officials to come to work in Swindon. There's a right and proper way of doing things and this is not it."

Mr Doherty is understood to have started a three-week holiday on Monday, but negotiations are continuing while he is away. It is possible that he will not return to the Civic Offices when his holiday finishes.

Mr Doherty, 49, has been chief executive of the council since October 1996. His imminent departure follows two damning reports on the council's education and social services departments.

The Tories and Liberal Democrats are known to have worked behind the scenes to persuade Labour council leader Sue Bates to write to Mr Doherty asking for his resignation and he agreed to the move last week.