SEVEN new top positions, each with a salary of up to £100,000, are being advertised at Basildon Council.

Basildon Council is hoping to recruit five “assistant directors” and two “heads of service” as part of a large scale reshuffle to become “more outwardly focussed”.

Salaries for the new positions range between £85,000 and £105,000 and would work directly below the managing director and cooperate director.

The reshuffle comes after former chief executive Bala Mahendran lost his £155,000 role as the council attempt to stop being so ‘top heavy’.

But Conservative leader Phil Turner, has insisted if his party regain power, any new jobs would be at risk as it conducts its own review of council positions.

He said: “We, as the Conservative party, made it clear we would not play any part in any restructuring at the council.

“We made it clear, that when we return to office, we will carry out our own review into staffing.

“They are pushing out these five new posts, but applicants need to be told if they are selected, the position is at risk in the future.

“We were always told this was to save money, to cut costs, but it hasn’t, not in any way.

“Looking at the structure now, we would cut at least two posts, if not three.

“It is far too top heavy at the moment.”

Scott Logan, Basildon Council’s managing director, said: “Our restructure is designed to help the council to become more outwardly focused. In order to deliver this new chapter we have to change as an organisation. We need people with the skills and abilities.

“The five Assistant Directors will lead that change, working with members, partners and communities to drive forward the best outcomes for our residents. The two Heads of Service will help us to achieve the right levels of engagement locally, regionally and nationally and with our staff. This structure reduces the number of senior managers and the cost of that level of management, but most importantly it is the best structure to lead the delivery of services to our community into the future.”