When private sector manager Gavin Jones first joined a local authority in 2003 he thought it was the biggest mistake of his career. Within five years he was a council chief executive and almost two decades later, now describes his time in local government as not the worst, but the best part of his 40-year working life.

It may explain why, despite retiring as chief executive of Essex CC earlier this month, he intends carrying on as external lead commissioner for the struggling boroughs of Slough and Thurrock.