The West of England Combined Authority is considering proposals to restructure its senior team as it responds to a critical audit report.

Several senior posts at the authority - including that of chief executive Patricia Greer, who is on ‘sickness absence' - are currently filled by interims.

An action plan being reviewed by senior officers' body Solace and agreed by the authority's members also pointed to ‘strained relationships' among politicians and said elected mayor Dan Norris and council leaders ‘must commit to improving' this.

It said that, with several posts currently filled by interims, there was an ‘opportunity to develop a new senior leadership structure'.

Progress on the audit action plan is due to be discussed at a meeting on Friday.

A combined authority spokesperson said: ‘Should amendments to the leadership structure of the combined authority be proposed this will take place following the conclusion of the Solace review, due consultation and will be subject to a committee decision.'