He will take on the £130,000 position of chief executive at St Edmundsbury Borough Council in September, succeeding his wife Deborah Cadman.

The position is yet to be confirmed, while the new vacancy at South Norfolk Council will be advertised only after a full council meeting on July 21.

South Norfolk Council leader John Fuller said he wished Mr Rivers the best in his new position but that succeeding the position from his wife was unusual.

"Nine years is a long time in any position," he said. "The appointment in taking over from his wife has raised a fair few eyebrows, but I wish him all the best."

Mr Rivers will leave his £100,000 position in September, leaving what Mr Fuller has described as wide ranging and interesting role within a local authority which was given "excellent" status by the Audit Commission.

He said interest in the role had already been expressed, but that options would not be considered until the appointment is made to advertise the vacancy.

"We are expecting a lot of interest from the private sector.

"It's a very good package for a talented individual – it's a well paid job in a dynamic authority," he said.

A shared position with neighbouring authorities such as Breckland, may be an option considered in filling the role, depending on the response received when the vacancy is advertised.