The chief executive of Aberdeen City Council will step down in three months, after only three years in the top role.

Valerie Watts, who yesterday announced her appointment as chief executive of Health and Social Care Northern Ireland, based in Belfast, said it was ‘a tremendously difficult decision that took me some time to make'.

‘In the end I could not resist the opportunity to take on the fresh challenge of such a demanding role, improving the wellbeing outcomes for all the people of Northern Ireland,' Ms Watts said.

She confirmed she would remain in post at Aberdeen for the next three months to drive forward existing council initiatives.

The search for a new chief executive will begin immediately, and Ms Watts, who previously served as chief executive for Derry City Council, is set to play a ‘crucial role' in choosing her successor.

Leader of Labour-run Aberdeen City Council, Barney Crockett said he was ‘extremely disappointed' by Ms Watts imminent departure.

Aberdeen City Council's SNP group leader, Callum McCaig, said the decision of Ms Watts to leave was the latest in a number of high profile exits since the Labour administration came into office.