Commenting this afternoon, she said: “I have today given notice of my intention to step down as Chief Executive of COSLA in the Spring of next year.

“By then, I shall have been in post for seven years. It genuinely has been a privilege and an honour to be Chief Executive of COSLA.

“I am always proud of COSLA and Local Government – and never more so than during periods of crisis. The impact our organisation made during the worst of COVID and is still doing, on a number of fronts is truly remarkable. Day in day out COSLA and Local Government makes a difference. On a personal level, I feel that the time is now right to move on and pursue other interests.

“I wish to record my gratitude to all those who have helped me over the last seven years in fulfilling this role.”

COSLA president, councillor Shona Morrison, said: “I want to thank Sally for the significant contribution she has made to COSLA and Local Government in Scotland.

“Sally has provided outstanding leadership to COSLA’s workforce and Politicians during the most difficult of times and I have greatly valued her advice during my time as COSLA President. I am sorry to see Sally leave and I wish her every success in the future.”