Cheshire East Council is in turmoil with the chief executive off work 'currently unwell,' and a senior director resigning 'by mutual agreement' with immediate effect.

A spokesperson for the council told the Local Democracy Reporting Service today: "Rob Polkinghorne, chief executive of Cheshire East Council, is currently unwell and is not in work.

"In Mr Polkinghorne's absence, the chief executive's delegations and duties are being covered by Helen Charlesworth-May, executive director for adults, health and integration, supported by the corporate leadership team."

The spokesperson also confirmed: "Phil Cresswell, executive director, place, has resigned by mutual agreement with immediate effect, on Friday December 5."

Cheshire East's executive director of place, Phil Cresswel, has resigned by 'mutual agreement' with immediate effect (Photo: CEC).

Mr Cresswell is one of the more recent additions to the council's senior leadership team.

His sudden departure comes almost a year to the day he first took up the role at Cheshire East.

The council has given no explanation for him leaving.

The LDRS first became aware of the absent bosses after being contacted by a number of Cheshire East staff asking why neither of them were in work.

Cheshire East was contacted last week for an explanation and it today issued staff with a statement similar to the one provided to the LDRS.