THE advert for Thurrock Council’s new chief executive went live this week.

In mid-March Graham Farrant announced he would be leaving Thurrock to take up the post of chief executive of the Land Registry.

A micro-website (thurrockchiefexec.com/) has been set up for those interested in the post including a letter signed by the leaders of the three main political groups in Thurrock.

The letter describes the post as “exciting and challenging”, explaining “challenge and excitement permeate every aspect of Thurrock and particularly the life of the council’s chief executive”.

It says: “The past five years have seen tremendous change in our borough and we expect the same for the coming five years too”, listing some of the changes such as the Royal Opera House’s arrival in the borough, London Gateway joining Tilbury and Purfleet as major ports in the borough, and the fast-improving situation with local schools and educational attainment.

Councillor John Kent, leader of Thurrock Council, said: “We owe Graham a great debt for the way he has both helped Thurrock Council become a stable and award-winning authority and headed up the borough’s remarkable growth programme.

“We will expect no less from his successor. They will indeed find the job challenging and, I would hope, find that challenge exciting.”

It is expected the application and interview process will allow the council meeting in June to appoint the new chief executive.