YORK'S director of health and wellbeing, Paul Edmondson-Jones, is leaving to 'pursue opportunities and interests elsewhere.'

City of York Council said he joined the authority last year as director of public health to support the transfer of the new statutory service back to the council, at a time of significant change across the health sector.

"Paul also took on responsibility for adult social care," said a spokeswoman.

"Working for the local authority and with the NHS and wider partners, Paul has led on the responsibility for promoting and protecting health and wellbeing, tackling health inequalities and improving health care quality in the city.

Chief executive Kersten England said that while his intention had always been to step away when he reached 60 to progress other opportunities and interests, he would be sorely missed and she wished him well.

“I'd like to thank Paul for being an invaluable figurehead in the provision of health and wellbeing during this first year, but also as a key part of my senior management team in the role of Deputy Chief Executive," she said.

“His experience and understanding of the city’s requirements have been invaluable and I'm pleased to say that we are now in a position where we can start to plan better health and social care for the people of our city.

“As we enter this next phase for Public Health and Adult Social Care, I will be continuing to rely on our existing management team's expertise to cover these portfolios, pending a wider review in the context of new and significant changes being brought by the implementation of the Care Act.”