At its meeting on 17 November, the Cabinet Committee will be asked to agree to start the recruitment process for his replacement.

Fife Council leader, Cllr David Ross, said: “From a personal point of view I’ll be very sorry to lose Steve as, I’m sure, will other councillors and officers who’ve worked with him over the years.

“However, by the time he retires next summer he will have been chief executive of one of the largest councils in the country for ten years. I understand why he feels it will be the right time and, of course, we respect his choice in the matter.

“In the meantime, I’ll be working with Steve and the rest of the team, as normal, to progress our priorities for Fife. Once the process is agreed by Cabinet, an Appointments Sub-Committee will be convened to focus on recruiting a new CEO.”

The post is expected to be advertised in January with the test and interview process spanning February and March.