The chief executive of Brighton and Hove City Council is to retire from his £160,000 a year job.

Alan McCarthy, who took up the top position in 2004, has unexpectedly asked for early retirement.

Speculation is already growing that the moves follows a series of rows between the city’s senior officers and the Conservative administration.

Mr McCarthy said: "I have had four brilliant years as the chief executive of the city council and 12 in total. But I now feel it’s time to take on some new challenges and to allow some fresh talent to help unlock the tremendous potential in the city.

"I shall be sad to say goodbye to the fabulous workforce but I am proud of what we have achieved in the time I have been there. We have made some excellent environmental and service improvements and I think Brighton and Hove is a better city to work, visit and live in than it has ever been."

Council Leader Mary Mears said: "I want to thank Alan for all his hard work over the years and wish him well for the future.

"I hope he will continue to make a positive contribution to the city."

A new chief executive will be appointed in the coming weeks.

The Governance Committee will formally agree the terms of Mr McCarthy's departure from the council at a special meeting on Thursday of this week.

Councillor Gill Mitchell, leader of the opposition Labour group, said: "Alan McCarthy is a very well respected chief executive who is held in high regard by other city leaders who will be shocked at his departure. "Alan was committed to his job, a job that meant everything to him.

"Under his stewardship the council is set to gain Beacon status and he had positioned the city as a place where people wanted to invest, live and visit.

"Questions must be asked as to exactly what this Conservative administration is doing to lose such an asset.

"It is clear that decent council officers are now taking the rap for a failing political administration without direction or leadership.

"Officers are bearing the brunt of the splits and dissent in the Tory group and their failure to take key decisions.

"Local taxpayers will now have to pick up a hefty bill for what is simply the political spite of the Tories. This is a sad day for the city."

Mr McCarthy, a dinner lady's son, was born and raised in Moulsecoomb.