Birmingham City Council leader Sir Albert Bore is looking for a £50,000 a year chief of staff to help him run Europe's largest local authority.

The job is being advertised internally to council staff hoping to step up to the role which involves running the leader's office and even representing Sir Albert at routine meetings.

According to the advert: "The chief of staff is a new position providing in-depth support to the leader of Europe's largest council in a period of unprecedented change for local government.

"You will support the development and implementation of the leader's vision, goals, priorities and responsibilities, manage the overall work and business management of the leader's office; and ensure the timely delivery of information and support services for the leader."

Labour leader Sir Albert Bore, who is currently on his honeymoon following his marriage to fellow councillor Victoria Quinn, also has a reputation as a workaholic who puts in long hours and is known for his frequent attendance at European conferences - and the advert suitably warns of unsociable hours and a requirement to travel.

It is advertised at grade six on the council's pay scale with a salary range of between £40,000 and £50,000.

Council deputy leader Ian Ward said the position had been created after Ceri Saunders, Sir Albert's long-standing cabinet support officer, was promoted to a more senior role in the cabinet office.

Rather than a simple replacement, the role has been beefed up, with staff management responsibilities and a new title.

Although regarded as a new position, a similar role was filled by James North under the previous council leader Mike Whitby for three years until 2007.

Mr North, who was known for his range of colourful braces, was regarded as a sharp operator who looked out for his leader and helped him sidestep a few political pitfalls.

Mr North was plucked from Birmingham to work for the Lord Mayor of the City of London.

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