The chief executive officer of Stevenage Borough Council is set to retire next year, it has been confirmed.

Matt Partridge has been CEO of the authority since July 2019, when he was appointed to the role permanently after two months as interim CEO following Scott Crudgington’s resignation.

Mr Partridge had worked for the council since 2013 when he first joined as a strategic director and deputy chief executive.

A council spokesperson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that the CEO will step down “early next year”.

They said: “Matt Partridge has worked for the council for over eleven years and held the highest officer role for six years.

“Colleagues will miss him and wish him a wonderful relaxing retirement, which he thoroughly deserves after 40 plus years working in the public sector.”

During his time at the council, Mr Partridge has helped guide the authority through the Covid-19 pandemic and overseen the ongoing £1bn redevelopment of Stevenage town centre.

Stevenage Borough Council’s appointments committee will meet behind closed doors next Thursday (November 14) to discuss the process for appointing Mr Partridge’s replacement.