Jo Walker, strategic director at Gloucestershire County Council, is leaving for a new post in Somerset and Liberal Democrats question why so many council officers are quitting.

Jo Walker has been appointed as chief executive of North Somerset Council.

She has worked at Gloucestershire County Council for more than 30 years, starting as a graduate trainee accountant and rising through the ranks.

Cllr Ray Theodoulou, deputy leader and cabinet member for finance and change said: "I am extremely grateful to Jo for all she has achieved throughout her career at Gloucestershire County Council. It has been a great pleasure to work with her. Jo is a shining example of the high calibre of staff we have at the council.

"I know Jo has found the decision to move on hard because of her strong connection to GCC and the high regard in which she holds both the council and the county, but quite rightly, she feels ready to take on the challenge of a chief executive role."

Jo Walker said: "I have enjoyed my years with the county council immensely and am extremely grateful to the council for the wide range of opportunities I have been able to be involved with, all of which, along with a strong personal drive to succeed, has taken me on a varied and exciting career.

"Whilst I will be leaving behind a great number of committed and talented people at Gloucestershire County Council, I am looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead."

Cllr Paul Hodgkinson, Gloucestershire Liberal Democrats group leader and councillor for Bourton-on-the-Water and Northleach said: "We wish Jo Walker the best of luck in her new venture at North Somerset - she is a strong voice in Gloucestershire and will be missed by all.

"Amongst this personal good news, however, is the crisis of leadership currently facing Gloucestershire County Council. This latest departure means that four directors have left the council in the last year alone, with Jo taking more than 30 years of experience with her."

The other senior officers who have departed are the Head of Children's Services, the Chief Fire Officer and Director of the Environment.

Cllr Hodgkinson said: "This situation is alarming and Gloucestershire's Liberal Democrats will be sure to hold the Conservative administration to account as they scramble to fill the void."